Age of autos

with Sharon Peters

Q: I remember a time when many people, maybe most people, bought a new car every four years or so. But I’m seeing a lot more cars on the road that seem to be 8 or 10 years old. Is that my imagination?

A: The average age of autos on the road in this country is 11.4 years old, according to R. L.

Polk, a research company that specializes in automotive data. That’s the highest on record, Polk says, and it has been climbing steadily for several years. The story is pretty much the same for light trucks: the average age of them is 11.3 years, Polk says.

Readers Respond:

My recent response to a reader about teens delaying getting their licenses prompted a large number of readers to get in touch — some to offer additional reasons why this phenomenon is occurring, some to cheer the fact that it is! Among examples of the two:

“I approve! My sister’s children waited until they were at least 18 years old to drive, and some waited longer than that. Driving a car is expensive — gasoline, smog checks, maintenance and high-priced insurance. Driving also is dangerous, and the freeways are daunting even to experienced drivers. Scientists have discovered that a teenager’s brain has not developed fully. Teens tend to feel invincible, and many enjoy risk and daredevil experiences. Caution isn’t valued until later. It’s a plus to have fewer drivers on the road, with less exhaust in the air and better traffic flow.”

And another: “You may be correct (regarding the reasons stated in that column) but I have another couple of issues that may apply. My son waited to get his license because of the restrictions placed on teen drivers (drivers under the age of 18 have a provisional license, meaning they cannot drive other friends unless someone older is in the car, or must go straight to school or work alone). It’s not as much fun as we had back in the day. Also, when I went to high school, we had driver’s training as part of the school curriculum. Now, parents have to pay for driver training outside of schools. So, the cost of driver training is not in some families’ budgets.”

©CTW Features

What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email [email protected].