How Long Should You Keep a Car? Why I Kept Mine for 23 Years

You’re trying to do the most eco-friendly thing with your vehicle, but how long should you keep a car, for real? Trading in your ride can be fun, but pricey new payments can be, well, not fun! As life continues to get more expensive, I’ve discovered some advantages to keeping a car for longer than a lot of people do.

To Be Eco-Friendly or Not To Be?

There are various debates on the eco-friendliest way to own a car. Some say keep your car. Some say new cars are more fuel-efficient. And others say it kind of depends on your situation and lifestyle. I think all of these are good arguments when you’re wondering, “How long should you keep a car?”

I kept my silver 2000 Honda CR-V for 23 years. While some were impressed and others were like, WHY, I stayed proud of that car the whole time I owned it! One of the major reasons I drove my Honda forever was the lack of monthly payments once I paid it off. Then, as the years went by, I got really sentimental over it. It was a solid, cute, and reliable car! And I was thankful.

I also wondered if it was an eco-conscious move to take good care of a major investment and not add to the demand of car production. Possibly with a compact, dependable car like mine, maybe yes?

I think ultimately you should research the pros and cons based on your transportation habits, plus compare safety features, and fuel economy. (I suddenly feel like I’m in a car commercial!)

However, after reading, I hope you’ll have a fresh perspective on how long you should keep your car.

This post is all about how long should you keep a car.

Pros of Keeping My Car For 23 Years

1. No Car Payments for, Like, 18 Years

After you pay off your car, you’ll probably feel footloose and fancy-free! It’s also a chance to start saving for your next car. (Though, I wasn’t so great at that part!) With the high prices on pretty much everything, keeping your vehicle can help you pay for other things you need. Big pro, in my opinion!

2. The Luck Of Choosing A Reliable Ride

I grew up in a Honda family. My dad had a Honda hatchback he named Old Reliable (and the rest of us called The Lima Bean). My brother had a Honda Element that amazingly protected him in a rollover crash. And my first car was a 1984 Honda Accord, which, bless its rusty, cigar-scented heart, deserves its own blog.

So, when I was fortunate enough to get a brand new car (and also because my Accord was no longer alive), I knew I wanted another Honda. (Just so you know, Honda did not tell me to write this!)

3. Slowing My Part IN Overconsumption

No matter what car you have, it’ll be producing unappealing emissions. While I could only control so much of that with how much I drove around town, I knew I could better control my need for a new car.

Another thing: If you choose to trade in your car for another pre-loved car, then I think that’s also a great option for using what’s already been made versus putting in an order to make something new.

4. Sentimental Value

From long road-trip conversations to singing our favorite songs on a sunny day, our cars not only get us to our destinations, but are also a part of the journey. They’re a part of our memories and eras.

My car became a character in my life. It traveled with me from the end of my college career to my job at the bank. It zipped across town to many lunch breaks at my parents’ house where my sweet dogs waited at its door to greet me. It carried boxes of stuff to my Nashville apartment and later got me safely through my move to Kansas City.

My car was with me through meeting new friends and having good cries and buying my first (and second) house. It transported a lot of shopping hauls, kept me cool, kept me warm, and took me about everywhere. It was part of so many firsts and lasts.

5. My Car Had A Built-In Picnic Table

I don’t know, if you have a car that comes with a picnic table, it’s a keeper, right?

My salesmen ultimately revealed
that his birth year was 2001,
which meant my car
was OLDER THAN he was.

It was vintage to him.
And I guess…so was I!

Kat Stano

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Cons of Keeping My Car For 23 Years

1. Missing Out On Cool New Car Technology & Possibly Feeling Like You Could Be Your Salesman’s Mom

As time went on, the most high-tech parts of my old car were the automatic windows.

So the idea of playing music through my phone, calling people through my car, and even having a sunroof was exciting! Oh, and the heated seats! (It doesn’t take much to make me happy.)

In fact, so much time had passed that when I brought my current car to the dealership to be traded in, I felt like I was showing off some sort of antique.

This was especially apparent when my salesmen ultimately revealed that his birth year was 2001, which meant my car was OLDER THAN he was. It was vintage to him. And I guess…so was I!

2. Safety Features Not Up-To-Date

Newer cars have all the little beeps, lights, and warnings that some older cars don’t. So, if safety is a big concern when you’re wondering how long should you keep a car, definitely compare your old car with a more modern version.

Check out rear and blind-spot cameras, airbags, and other features that can keep you safe on the road. And if you’re still wanting to keep your older ride, make sure you have it regularly maintained and inspected! Air in your tires is important, y’all!

3. Pricey Maintenance & Repairs

What I love about my new car today is that it only needs stuff like oil changes and tire rotations and just standard ol’ maintenance. And, right now, that’s covered with so many miles. While you don’t have a car payment when owning a vehicle for several years, things need to be replaced as the mileage adds up. I had to replace my timing belt at least twice, fix a slew of gaskets and axles, and a bunch of other doohickeys.

This still tends to all be pretty normal when you take good care of your car, but those bills can add up, for sure!

You could also debate if replacing new parts is as eco-efficient as just getting the whole kit and caboodle–a newer car. I’d say it depends on the availability and rarity of the parts, but they still have parts for cars that are 20+ years…I would know!

4. Worrying About Long Road Trips

Living far from family members means lots and lots of trips home. For many years, I flew home to Tennessee. But, suddenly, when my car was 17 years old, I decided that long road trips from Kansas City to Nashville were the way to go!

I’m telling you, this car was running well when I traded it in, but there were a few areas that needed some new parts. (I feel this way about myself sometimes!) I was worried about driving alone with my fur child on a 10+ hour trip. What if I broke down or my wheels actually did fall off?

I had to consider a newer car if I wanted to stay available for helping my parents out or just visiting my Tennessee bestie.

If you love your old car and don’t have to drive far or very much, you might be able to get by longer without replacing it with something more modern. My advice is, though, make sure you get it checked out by a service center or mechanic to know if everything major is working properly to keep you safe and not stranded!

5. Feeling Sad When I Traded It In

I took my car for a spin for our last ride together. We played Jock Jams, we picked up a chai, and, well, I cried. This car was with me from my early 20’s to my early 40’s and it really did make me sad to say goodbye.

I’m a major softie. So, if you are, too, I see you. sweetie. When you sell or trade in your car, you’ll think of all the places it took you, the people (and pets!) who went along for the ride, and all the hopes, dreams, and decisions you made while cruising through your life.

Be sad for as long as you like, and then let that turn into gratitude. Since my car was still in good working order and according to the younger salesman, “Wow, this car is really clean!”, it helped me to know that my CR-V would go on to be a part of someone else’s story…someone who might’ve needed a more affordable vehicle at the time. And I loved that plot twist for my car.

The Wrap-Up

I hope, after reading, you’ve discovered some things to consider when driving, maintaining, and deciding how long to own your car. And I love quirky car stories, so if you have any, please share in the comments! Bonus points for first cars!

Thanks for reading, sweetie! Stay safe and happy out there!

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Additional Tips

• Trading your older car in for a reliable used car can be an excellent eco-friendly option.
• Don’t forget to get regular maintenance on your car to keep it in tiptop shape for the long run. (Had to sneak in the Dad advice! Sorry!)
• Leasing a new car is a good option for lower payments, especially if you don’t drive a ton.
• Donating your car to a philanthropic organization is a beautiful way to give back.
• Maybe you don’t need another car. Your next ride could be public transportation, carpools, rideshares, or your bike!
• If you do have a tried-and-true vehicle, don’t forget to help friends who don’t. (And by “friends,” I mean people you know and trust!)

• Especially on long road trips where you’re unfamiliar with the area, get gas during the day. I always stop at about half a tank.
• Avoid poorly lit gas stations or isolated areas. Instead, keep you eyes open for more populated, updated stops where more people are around.
• Stay alert when you’re out on the town, especially at night.
• Observe your surroundings whenever getting in or out of your car.
• Lock your car as soon as you get inside.
• Whatever car you drive, make sure it has the capability to charge your phone.
• Park in safe, well-lit areas.
• If you’re scared to go into a rest area restroom by yourself (or want to stay with your dog like I do!), there’s no shame in using a portable potty inside your car to stay safe! Hey, make those memories!

Keep Supplies IN Your Car

• Safety light
• Blanket
• Extra water
• Snacks
• Tissues
• Alert whistle
• First aid kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Coins (sometimes you need coins!)
• Dog supplies
• Winter gear: hat, mittens, earmuffs, scarf
• Flashlight and/or emergency light. I have an inflatable solar safety light like this one in my car.
• Window break device in case you have to escape fast