Are Old Cars Easier to Fix? (2024)

FAQs

Are Old Cars Easier to Fix? ›

But classic cars have a few advantages: they can be easier to repair than a modern, technology-laden vehicle, and may also appreciate in value over time. Explore Progressive

Older vehicles often boast several advantages from a repair standpoint. Pre-computerized cars have fewer complex electronic systems and sensors compared to modern vehicles. This can make diagnosis and repair easier for mechanically inclined individuals.

Old cars can be unpredictable. Repairing a single problem with an older car doesn't guarantee that another breakdown won't happen with another part or system. If you buy a new car, its warranty means you'll have at least three years (and often far longer) before you have to worry about paying for any major repairs.

At a certain point, repair costs may outweigh what the car is worth. Safety and Reliability - Modern cars have vastly improved safety features and computerized systems. A newer car may provide safety like airbags, antilock brakes, and stability control that a 20-year-old car lacks.

If your vehicle is a little older, it still needs proper maintenance just like any other car. However, the type of maintenance an older vehicle needs may be different than the maintenance a newer model requires. The older the car is, the more intensive and costly your maintenance can become.

Engine cooling system failures, such as the radiator, thermostat or water pump or engine parts such as the timing belt, most prominently in vehicles age 10 years and older. Much like a battery, the components of the engine cooling system may fail without warning.

A used car is a good choice if you are trying to save on your initial purchase. But you'll need to consider the cost over the life of ownership — including maintenance and repairs. Depending on how you want to use the vehicle and your overall finances, you may find that buying new is the better choice.

Additionally, maintenance costs can quickly add up as cars age. Parts are harder to find, and labor is more time-intensive. If these concerns make you uneasy, avoid cars over 20 years old. This rule of thumb may help ensure your vehicle choice is still safe, reliable, and affordable.

If you're driving a car that's less than 12 years old and is within its first 150,000 miles, it likely still has some life left in it if you've kept up on its maintenance. Depending on the car's value, repairing it might be worth the money to keep it going for a few more years.

Cars over 10 years old can still be reliable. Most vehicles can last well over a decade with proper care and maintenance. In fact, the average car on U.S. roads is now 12.5 years old, according to a study from S&P Global Mobility. Furthermore, a car doesn't really stop depreciating until it hits that 10-year mark.

At what age do cars lose the most value? ›

The first year faces the most significant depreciation hit to the car's market value, with most vehicles losing about 20% or more of their original value. The loss continues to decline from there. Cars often shed about 60% of their original purchase price within the first five years.

Repair Costs

If the total cost of repairs ends up being more than the value of the car (even with the fix), that's usually a sign to hold off on repairs and put that money toward another car.

Consider the age and mileage of the car. New cars typically depreciate about 22 percent in the first year. Most people keep their car about six years before trading it in.

Well, cars these days are made to last much longer than those produced even a few decades ago. This is because car parts are now constructed to withstand more wear than in the past. That also means fewer repairs and lower overall maintenance costs.

But classic cars have a few advantages: they can be easier to repair than a modern, technology-laden vehicle, and may also appreciate in value over time. Explore Progressive Answers' auto editorial guidelines to find out why you can trust the car insurance information you find here.

You could encounter much higher repair costs than assumed and still come out ahead by keeping the old one. In the absence of a gigantic repair bill — you need a new engine, for example — an old car is almost always cheaper to own than a new one.

The Car is No Longer in Production. This is one of the biggest reasons for parts shortages. Automakers continue to produce parts for a car for maybe eight to 10 years after they stop making a vehicle, but unless they're huge demand for parts after that, they then move onto making something else.

Many believe older cars are plagued with problems, but the truth is a bit more nuanced. While it's accurate that older cars can face more issues due to wear and outdated technology, proper maintenance and care can keep them running well.

Even when mileage is low, the older a car gets, the less reliable it becomes. Modern cars are much more reliable, even as they age. Five-year-old cars record what is considered a major problem every three years, while 10-year-old cars are more likely to face a problem every 18 to 20 months.