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Average U.S. vehicle age hits record high, challenging automakers but boosting aftermarket sales as drivers keep cars longer than ever.
Americans are holding on to their cars longer than ever, pushing the average age of vehicles on U.S. roads to record levels and creating ripple effects across the automotive sector.
Industry analysts say the trend reflects a mix of economic caution, improved vehicle reliability, and changing consumer priorities. For automakers, it presents a challenge: new car sales have slowed as many drivers opt to maintain their current vehicles rather than trade them in.
According to S&P Global Mobility, the average passenger vehicle in the U.S. is now more than 12 years old. Pickup trucks skew even higher, averaging nearly 14 years on the road. This longevity is driven in part by advances in engineering and manufacturing, with modern vehicles capable of surpassing 200,000 miles when properly maintained.
While fewer trade-ins mean tighter dealer inventories for late-model used cars, the extended lifespan of the national fleet is fueling growth in the aftermarket sector. Replacement parts suppliers, repair shops, and specialty service providers are seeing increased demand as owners invest in keeping their vehicles roadworthy. The tire, brake, and battery markets are particularly benefiting from the trend.
Automakers are responding by offering certified repair networks, extended warranties, and subscription-based service packages to retain customer engagement long after the original sale.
Economic factors, including high new vehicle prices, elevated interest rates, and limited availability of some models, have reinforced the appeal of keeping older cars. For many households, repairing a well-maintained vehicle is still less expensive than buying new.
Industry experts say the shift could persist for years, especially as electrification reshapes the market and consumers weigh the cost of adopting new technology.
For now, the winners are the businesses keeping aging vehicles on the road — and the drivers who see value in every extra mile.
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