Your Car Is a Pot O’ Gold: Why It Pays to Keep Your Older Vehicle
I recently had a fantastic conversation with a woman about her car. Connecting with people, hearing their stories, and helping them make the best decisions for their vehicles is what I love most about my job.
She and her husband had an older Toyota, and she called me with some concerns. As we talked, she expressed how much they relied on that car—it was their only mode of transportation, and her husband needed it to make a three-hour drive to critical doctor appointments.
As we discussed their options, she worried about the car's age and whether it made sense to keep it. We compared the cost of maintaining an older car versus buying a new one. And that’s when it hit me—that car sitting in your driveway is your Pot O’ Gold.
The True Cost of a New Car in 2025
It’s easy to be tempted by the latest and greatest models with all the bells and whistles. But let’s break down the numbers:
- The average price of a new car in 2025 is around $48,000.
- A five-year loan? That’s a $900+ monthly payment.
- Sales tax (9.25%)? That adds another $4,440 upfront.
- Full coverage insurance? Expect around $250 per month.
- Registration? Higher for a new car, often $300+ per year.
Before you know it, you’re paying close to $1,250 a month just to own a new car. And that doesn’t even include maintenance!
The Value of Keeping Your Older Car
Most vehicles, with proper maintenance, can last hundreds of thousands of miles. If you take care of your car—changing the oil, servicing the brakes, replacing fluids when needed—it will keep running reliably.
The cost of maintaining an older car, even with two or three service visits per year, is nowhere near the cost of a car payment, insurance hike, and registration fees. Your well-maintained vehicle is saving you thousands every year.
It’s Cheaper to Keep Her (or Him!)
After this conversation, I was reminded of something I talked about last month—car love. Taking care of your car is like taking care of a good relationship. When you invest in it, it stays strong and dependable.
So before you rush into buying something new, take a closer look at the goldmine you already have sitting in your driveway. That older car? It might just be your Pot O’ Gold.
Want to see the numbers for yourself? Check out our Cost-to-Own video here: https://waysidegarage.com/blog/is-your-car-worth-fixing--
Need help keeping your vehicle in top shape? Schedule a service with us at Wayside Garage! We’ll help you get the most out of your trusted ride.