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The old minivan is still running

By Steve Benton ( Contact )   June 8, 2009

It's well documented that vehicles last a lot longer today than they did years ago (1968) when I first started driving. The oldest of my two vehicles is a 1995 minivan, with a considerable amount of rust on it. Keeping the engine maintained seems to have paid off however since it is still running. I'm not saying there haven't been unexpected expenses along the way, but for a van with 200,000 miles on it, it still gets me from point "A" to point "B", which is generally to work and home. Anybody else out there holding on to older vehicles because of the economic downturn and uncertainty in the auto industry today?

reader COMMENTS
magog2k
Jun 19, 2009 at 6:04 p.m.
Suggest removal

I've got 93 s-10, 87 box van, and a 90 honda. Most I've paid for any of them was $600. Parts in general maybe $200 a year to keep just one running. Car payments every month? Don't have em. Just an occasional part or can of spray paint. It's just cheaper than owing payment every month. Besides, my honda gets 35 mpg. Its not that I wouldn't mind a newer vehicle, but what's the point when the throw-away vehicles you see on the side of the road for $500? Not a bad deal......

ImaDozen
Jun 10, 2009 at 10:20 a.m.
Suggest removal

Regardless of the economy, we've always kept our cars until they died on the side of the road.
One major fix-it bill a year is cheaper than twelve monthly payments.

localmatters
Jun 9, 2009 at 9:51 a.m.
Suggest removal

I have a 98 Saturn that is a point A to point B vehicle...no rust because of the polymer body. I'm hoping to give it to my son to drive in about 8 years :)

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