Reply #33: Cost of ownership.

[SmileyRose]

I have a 1983 Chevy suburban. I still drive it from Georgia to Nevada and back every month. It's gotten a new engine and various replacements along the way. That was cheaper than buying a new vehicle. There is not a single squeak or rattle on that car and not one spot of rust. The engine gets pretty decent gas mileage for it's size - better than 20 on the freeway. My Fusion is a 2007 built and bought in 2006 and already has 60,000 miles. The only thing I've spent on it is basic normal maintenance - oil, tires, a set of wiper blades etc. I'm getting 30 - 35 freeway after 60,000 miles.

Brother's 1994 Camry did great until 2003. The injector had to be replaced and was so cost prohibitive it was more effective to buy a different car. I don't know about your neighborhood, but here, it's RARE to see a 15 yr old Toyota or Honda still on the road. It's common to see a 15+ yr Ford, GM or Dodge on the road - they have been rebuilt, retooled, repainted and loved over a time or two.

There is a reason for that.