I have a fairly nice car. Have owned it for 7 years now. While there have been minor problems like scrapes on the rims, trim peeling, etc., the engine, transmission and all the real guts of the car have performed flawlessly the entire time. The car has been paid off for 4 years.

I feel I could drive this car for another 5 years at least. That would be at least 12 years without purchasing a car and 8 years without making a car payment.

My car was expensive, but I feel it was engineered so well that it can last. Quality cars last a long time.