Some cars and trucks are just built to last, or at least their owners think so. While some drivers trade in for the latest model, others keep their vehicles for years, even decades. Whether it's about reliability, cost, or brand loyalty, certain car owners are far more likely to stick with their ride for the long haul.
We surveyed 1,000 Americans to find out which brands inspire the most loyalty, why some drivers refuse to upgrade, and who regrets saying goodbye to their old set of wheels.
Key Takeaways
- 73% of Americans drive their cars until they stop working. Chevrolet (84%), Nissan (80%), and Honda owners (78%) are the most likely to do so.
- 1 in 6 Americans have owned their current car for over a decade, with Honda owners (28%) being the most likely to do so.
- 39% of Americans can't afford a new car.
- Volkswagen ($703), Nissan ($663), and Subaru ($629) are the most expensive brands to maintain.
- 18% of Americans regret replacing their car, with current Tesla owners (27%) being the most likely to feel buyer's remorse.
How Long Do Americans Keep Their Cars?
Some drivers hold onto their vehicles for more than 10 years, while others drive them until they can no longer run. See which brands inspire the most loyalty and who is most likely to still own their very first car.
A majority of Americans (73%) said they drive their cars until they just don't run anymore. Chevrolet (84%), Nissan (80%), and Honda (78%) owners were the most likely to do this, while Tesla (43%) and BMW (50%) owners were the least. One in 6 Americans have owned their current car for over a decade, and Honda drivers (28%) lead the pack.
Some Americans remain especially attached to their first set of wheels. Nearly 1 in 6 (15%) still owned their very first car. Gen Z (42%) was the most likely to hold onto theirs, while men (17%) were slightly more likely than women (13%) to do the same.
Holding Onto Their Wheels
Many Americans choose to keep their cars for reasons beyond necessity. From comfort to maintenance costs, drivers have different motivations for holding onto a vehicle instead of buying a new one.
Nearly 2 in 5 Americans (39%) said they can't afford to buy a new car. Hyundai (52%), Chevrolet (49%), and Nissan (44%) owners were the most likely to say cost keeps them from upgrading their rides, while Tesla (17%) and BMW (11%) owners were the least concerned about price.
But for plenty of drivers, it's not just about money. Toyota (68%) and Honda (67%) owners were the most likely to keep their cars because they trusted them to last. Many car owners also prefer to stick with what they know. Honda (72%), Ford (69%), and Nissan (68%) drivers said they'd rather drive an older, reliable ride than gamble on a new one that might not hold up. Mercedes (43%) and Tesla (47%) owners were the least likely to feel this way.
For others, it's all about style. BMW (47%), Mercedes (43%), and Tesla (35%) owners were the most likely to keep their cars just because they like how they look.
How Much Are Americans Spending on Their Cars?
Owning a car comes with a price, whether it's costly repairs or second thoughts about trading in for something new. Some drivers believe sticking with an older car saves money, while others regret the choices they've made along the way.
Volkswagen ($703), Nissan ($663), and Subaru ($629) owners have faced the highest maintenance costs. These expenses include everything from oil changes and tire replacements to brake work, engine repairs, and other routine or unexpected maintenance expenses. Over a quarter of Americans (29%) said they regret how much they've spent on vehicle repairs. Baby boomers (34%) were the most likely to feel that way, while Gen Z (17%) had the fewest regrets.
When it comes to the cost of keeping an older vehicle, Baby boomers (80%) were the most likely to believe it's cheaper than buying a new one. Gen Z (54%) was the least convinced that this was true.
Among those who've replaced their old vehicle, 18% had regrets. Tesla owners (27%) were the most likely to wish they had stuck with their old ride instead of switching to a Tesla, while Honda drivers (11%) were the least likely to feel buyer's remorse.
Driven to Last
Some brands are built to last, and their owners know it. Chevrolet, Nissan, and Honda owners are the most likely to keep their vehicles until they stop running, with Honda owners being the most likely to keep their cars for over 10 years. While some regret costly repairs or trading in a vehicle, many believe a dependable ride is worth holding onto. When a car or truck stands the test of time or comes with the nostalgia of being your first, it's hard to say goodbye.
Methodology
We surveyed 1,000 American car owners to explore how long they keep their cars, why they hold onto them, and the financial impact. Respondents included Gen Z (13%), millennials (53%), Gen X (27%), and baby boomers (8%). The data was collected in March 2025.
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