Kathy Stewart, wtop.com
WASHINGTON — Every car owner has debated whether they should sink more money into a clunker or spring for a new model. The current economy seems to be making that decision a little easier.
In these not-so-pretty economic times, people in the Metro area are holding onto their cars for longer.
It’s a trend that’s not surprising, says AAA Mid-Atlantic’s John Townsend. Auto agencies and car repair shops are seeing the same thing.
“The cars that are showing up to be repaired are an average of nine years old,” he says. In 2008, the average age was six years old.
Over the past 4 years, AAA has been recording a steady increase in the average age of cars that have needed roadside assistance.
“It’s a sign that Washingtonians, like the rest of Americans, are holding onto their cars longer” and getting them repaired to avoid the financial burden of buying a new car.
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