Why Our Cars Are Lasting Longer

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A new study says the average vehicle in the U.S. is a record 11.5 years old, according to the consulting firm IHS Automotive.

Jazmin Munoz, from Burnsville, bought her 2004 Nissan Altima used three years ago.

"It's had some brake issues, normal catch-up stuff, but it runs well," Munoz said.

Scott Lambert, vice president of the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association, says these are not your father's cars anymore.

"Manufacturers are building vehicles that are lasting longer and going farther and the public is responding by driving them longer," Lambert said.

There is no exact rule for how long you should keep a vehicle. Lambert says you may want to start shopping for a new car if your current one needs constant repairs.

Munoz says she is hoping to break 200,000 miles before she thinks about a new car.

"I have my dream car all lined up, but so far so good," she said.

The time the average owner owns a car, however, has stayed stagnant. It is around six-and-half years for a new vehicle, and five years for used.

Consumer Reports says if you are going to buy an older car, you should at least make sure it has electronic stability control and side-curtain air bags.