PEMBERVILLE, OH (WTOL) - Paul Brackney of Pemberville is proof that people are holding onto their cars much longer.
He still drives a 1994 Dodge Caravan.
The vehicle has just over 337,000 miles.
Over the years, Mr. Brackney has replaced the radiator and had the transmission fixed.
That's about it.
He has no intention of ditching the van.
"As you get to a certain point, who's going to give you anything for it. It's running good. Might as well keep it," said Mr. Brackney.
An R. L Polk and Company survey found that the average age of passenger cars currently on the roads was 11.1 years.
In 1995, the figure was 8.4 years.
On the truck side, the average was 10.4 years versus 8.3 years in 1995.
"People are holding onto them longer. Quality definitely increased through all manufacturers," said Ryan Ritzler of Yark Automotive.
Mr. Brackney still uses his van to run errands.
But it's a back-up vehicle to two others he owns.
"If you can afford it, a third car, it's saving me from putting a lot of money on my other one," said Mr. Brackney.
And Mr. Brackney says anyone can extend the life of their car.
Just use some common sense.
"Change the oil and have it checked out every once in a while if it needs something done," he said.
Good advice if you want your car to turn into a 300,000 cream puff.
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