How old is a car to not be new any longer?
Discussion
I was pondering this. On PH it seems the vast majority are into newer cars, current hot hatches and the like. e.g. I suspect given a poll, more people would say they'd rather a Focus ST over a Clio Williams or a Dolly Sprint.
So it got me thinking, at what age does a car no longer appear to be newer? When do they become too old for the masses to not even consider them when car hunting?
So it got me thinking, at what age does a car no longer appear to be newer? When do they become too old for the masses to not even consider them when car hunting?
I think the masses will consider anything under 10 years old when looking for the average car. I know most of my non PH type friends perceive anything older than 10 years to be "old".
They are confused as to why I specifically buy older stuff when the same money can buy new. I also know from experience at my Dads garage that people are currently trading in around an 03 plate as it is at that point that is is suddenly deemed "old".
They are confused as to why I specifically buy older stuff when the same money can buy new. I also know from experience at my Dads garage that people are currently trading in around an 03 plate as it is at that point that is is suddenly deemed "old".
My cut off is generally around the 15-20 year mark. In my experience this is about the point where age (rather than mileage) starts to take its toll.
As an example I owned a '93 Audi S2 Avant 2.5 years ago, so that was about 17 years old. The plastic radiator end caps had become brittle with age and one broke on me. A few water and boost hoses were starting to perish too and I never really had the confidence to push it hard. The engine was too complex and access to tight for me to replace them, so I sold it on.
In 2008 I had a 1990 Mk2 Golf. Had a couple of problems with brittle wiring and in general it felt pretty old. Stuff like really weak headlamps, an asthmatic blower fan and the world's worst heated rear screen made it a bit annoying to live with in winter.
In contrast 18 months ago I had a 2003 BMW 330ci. To me, that felt like a brand new car (despite being 7 years old) and I had absolute confidence in it. Had an 8 year old Mk4 Golf, a 7 year old Passat and felt the same. In all cases I never had a major problem.
My current Puma is 14 years old and I'm reasonably confident about it's ability to not randomly fall apart on me. Was reasonably happy with my previous 13 year old 306 Gti-6 too.
As an example I owned a '93 Audi S2 Avant 2.5 years ago, so that was about 17 years old. The plastic radiator end caps had become brittle with age and one broke on me. A few water and boost hoses were starting to perish too and I never really had the confidence to push it hard. The engine was too complex and access to tight for me to replace them, so I sold it on.
In 2008 I had a 1990 Mk2 Golf. Had a couple of problems with brittle wiring and in general it felt pretty old. Stuff like really weak headlamps, an asthmatic blower fan and the world's worst heated rear screen made it a bit annoying to live with in winter.
In contrast 18 months ago I had a 2003 BMW 330ci. To me, that felt like a brand new car (despite being 7 years old) and I had absolute confidence in it. Had an 8 year old Mk4 Golf, a 7 year old Passat and felt the same. In all cases I never had a major problem.
My current Puma is 14 years old and I'm reasonably confident about it's ability to not randomly fall apart on me. Was reasonably happy with my previous 13 year old 306 Gti-6 too.
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