Americans Opt to Repair Rather Than Buy New Cars... Average Vehicle Age Reaches 13 Years

Rising New Car Prices and Insurance Premiums Drive Trend
The Automotive Aftermarket for Repairs Gains Attention

The average lifespan of vehicles driven by Americans has reached the highest level in history. This is because, as the burden of new car prices rises, people are delaying purchases and opting to repair and continue using their existing vehicles.

According to Nikkei, a Japanese media outlet, on September 24 (local time), the average age of passenger cars and light trucks on U.S. roads at the beginning of this year was recorded at 13 years. This marks a new record high and continues the upward trend seen in 2024 (12.6 years) and last year (12.8 years).

Automobile road scenery in California, USA. Photo by Yonhap News

Why are American cars getting older? The media outlet analyzed that consumers are reluctant to buy new cars and are instead keeping their current vehicles longer. The primary reason is the surge in new car prices over the past several years. In addition, higher auto loan interest rates have further driven up the cost burden of replacing vehicles. Moreover, improvements in vehicle durability have allowed cars to be driven longer than before, extending the replacement cycle.

The aging of American vehicles has been ongoing for an extended period. In 2008, the average age of cars was 10.4 years, but it has steadily increased since 2014. Over the past two decades, the average lifespan has grown by about 3 years.

Passenger cars are leading this aging trend. According to an analysis based on U.S. transportation statistics, this year, the average age of U.S. passenger cars is 14.1 years—older than that of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickup trucks.

As vehicles get older, American automotive-related spending is shifting from new car purchases toward repairs and parts replacement. Nikkei reported that as a result, the U.S. automobile industry is increasingly focusing on the so-called "aftermarket," including demand for parts replacement and maintenance. Currently, more than 110 million vehicles between 6 and 14 years old are on U.S. roads, and this number is predicted to increase further by 2028.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.