Most people would want to get rid of their vehicle once it accumulated that many miles. They figure that is the point when things start to go wrong. But, not me. Nope, I am gonna keep on driving. I plan to drive it until it hits 200,000 miles. I drove my last car to 147,000. It would have been even longer if it didn’t get totaled (not my fault).
I am shocked by the amount of money people spend on their vehicles. I can’t stand having a monthly car payment. There is nothing better than owning my car outright. The thought of spending $200 and up each month on a car payment is ridiculous to me! That equates to $2,400 or more per year! There are so many things that I would like to do with that money.
The benefits of owning a car outright are tremendous. Insurance and registration costs are typically lower for older cars. But the biggest factor is not having a monthly car note. So, when your car hits 100k miles instead of trading it in, keep it!
- Shop around. If you get a good car to begin with odds are greater that it will last longer.
- Get your oil changed regularly. This is one of the single most important things you can do to ensure the longevity of your vehicle.
- Find a good, honest mechanic. I know from experience that this can be a daunting, seemingly impossible task but it is totally necessary. Ask your friends and family who they recommend. Or, seek out your local community college. For tips on how to select a good mechanic, watch this short video from the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence).
- Make sure you have an emergency fund. Expect to spend money on car repairs and maintenance. It is inevitable. Build it into your budget.
- Learn about your car. Actually read your owner’s manual. The more you know about your car, the better you can take care of it.
- Keep your car washed the interior clean. This is somewhat psychological because the more you pay attention to little things like keeping your car clean, the more inclined you will be to pay attention to the big things. Furthermore, if you keep your can neat and clean, you might not be as anxious to get a new one.
- Keep track of your maintenance and repairs. You might need them for warranty issues. Not to mention, it will be very helpful if you do choose to sell it one day. The used Escort that I drove years ago came with a folder of receipts for every single oil change and repair. What an excellent selling point.
- Watch those curbs! I’m constantly running over curbs and having to put air in my tires all the time. Don’t drive like me, be nice to your tires.
- Drive Safe. Always drive defensively. Wait to make your calls until you are done driving. Definitely don’t try to text. Seriously, just like our bodies, our cars are never the same after an accident. I know this first hand. Pay attention when you drive.
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