Considering the average American racks up between 12,000 and 15,000 miles per year, this means people plan on keeping their cars an extra 3-4 years. Why? Well there are plenty of reasons if you really stop and think about it.

For one, the quality of cars today is much better than the quality of cars from say, the 1990’s. Without making too much of a sweeping generalization, many cars from that era seemed more prone to breakdowns and reliability issues. If you go back forty years, many cars were barely making it to 50,000 miles before needing a major overhaul like a new engine (I’ve seen lots of muscle cars whose odometers were just 5-digits). In fact, 56% of those surveyed plan to drive their current car until it completely dies.

Then there is the obvious reality of a new financial climate. Many people seem to be willing to take a step back and reconsider what is important in life. Do I really need a brand new car, right now, even though my current car is still running? Many people would rather repair their cars right now, because no matter how you cut it, it is almost always cheaper to keep an old car on the road than replace it with something new (unless you are replacing your transmission on a monthly basis).

Another big reason may also be that people realize we are reaching the apex of a car revolution. Electric and plug-in electric cars are on the cusp of making a mass-market emergence. While not everyone can afford to be an early adopter, in five years time there will be plenty of electric vehicles to choose from, as well as an emerging market for used EV’s. So why not hold on to that old car a little longer when your next car might not need gas at all?

The FX is simply the most beautiful and unique car ever made, so although I like the new model, I feel the old one is superior.  It still feels like a futuristic prototype (for me) after all those years.  I hate those (new)retro cars, and the FX is the best medicine.