11 Yrs! Average Age of US Vehicles

[2b2]

via Cheers & Gears

America Sets a New Record for Old Cars - CNBC
Wednesday, 27 Jun 2012 | 7:30 AM ET
Phil LeBeau

Feel like you're driving an old car? You're not alone. In fact, the average age of vehicles in the U.S. has hit a new all-time high. Experian Automotive says the average age of the 245 million vehicles registered in the U.S. in the first quarter of this year was 11 years...

...What's behind the increase? Part of it is because the recession and sluggish recovery forced many people to put off buying or trading-in for a new or used car. Another factor is the fact cars and trucks are built to run longer. That quality improvement picked up momentum in the early '90s. Now, many of those cars and trucks are 13 to 22 years old, and yes there are millions of them still on the road.

In fact, Experian says more than 52 million cars and trucks in America are 16 years or older. (Related: What models will become collectibles?)

Ford Runs Strong

In its analysis of vehicle registrations, Experian found more Ford Motor models on the road than other model. That shouldn't come as a surprise since the Ford F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for 30 straight years. According to Experian Automotive, here the top 4 brands of vehicles in operation in the U.S.:

Ford: 17.2%
Chevrolet: 15.8%
Toyota: 10.4%
Honda: 7.3%


More...

[ausrutherford]

I believe Chevy had a commercial awhile back saying differently....

[djhogie]

My car is 15 years old. 1997 Ford Thunderbird. My only problem with it now is rust near the rear wheel. I was looking at websites for used cars-- and I see a lot of old Thunderbirds with the some problem. Must be some flaw with the design for this rust to show up. I don't see any Mustangs with this problem. If it wasn't for this problem, I would be extremely happy. I'm getting near retirement, and I don't need a payment right now. Besides, Ford has no car for my first choice. Guess they never will.

[Stryford]

My Focus is 11 years old, also. I keep thinking about getting a brand new Focus, but I still love my car.
My wife will be getting a new Escape soon to finally replace our Mariner that was totalled over a year ago, so she won't have to drive the minivan that I've been using as a "cargo" vehicle.
And I will always keep my '94 Thunderbird SC (maybe unless Ford comes out with another rear wheel drive supercharged Thunderbird).

[ndwariga]

Most people are holding on to their money, they do not want car notes

[djhogie]

I'm also wishing for Ford for a RWD Thunderbird midsize coupe, but I think the name is laid to rest. I will mention to Ford reps at the annual car show in January, and they just look at you and snicker at you like that will never happen. Right now, I'll settle for a FWD Thunderbird coupe. I wish Ford would even consider a retro '68 Merc Cougar. I understand at Chrysler is coming out with a Barracuda and thinking of bring back the Plymouth name for this model. SO, why not a Merc Cougar mid-size coupe!

[timmm55]

I want a new car. I'll try and refi next year when values have gone up a bit, it seems to be trending that way, multiple offers, and REOs have dried up.
But I'll probably keep my 99 Miata. It only has 75K miles and runs great.