User:Smile a While/Car life cycle

An old car is an automobile that is viewed by its owner or others as being advanced in age by the standards of typical lengths of automobile ownership in society. Though there is no exact numerical definition of an "old" car, factors that may lead a vehicle to be viewed as "old" include its chronological age, the number of miles/kilometers on its odometer, its external appearance, its mechanical condition, its congruence with the style of vehicles made in the present, and the views within the community in which one lives or frequents.

Terms like antique, vintage, retro, or classic car are frequently references to older vehicles in good condition that have been well kept or restored, while terms like clunker or jalopy are used to refer to older vehicles in poor condition that have an undesirable reputation.

Reasons for owning an old car
A major reason for keeping an older vehicle is economic, as replacing it can be more costly. Though it may require more frequent repairs, the amount of money that must be spent on these repairs will be less than monthly payments on a replacement vehicle. An older vehicle also depreciates in value less than a new vehicle. Older cars may incur lower insurance costs, as losses in the event of an accident or theft would be lower.

Drawbacks to owning an old car
Older vehicles have various drawbacks that often lead their owners to want to replace them. The need for more frequent repairs can lead the owner to be fearful of its breakdown, making him/her more reluctant to take it on a longer trip. The vehicle may also lack safety features that have been introduced in the automotive industry since its manufacture. Also, the safety of a vehicle that is not in perfect condition may be compromised. Auto insurance companies are more likely to declare a vehicle that has been in even a minor accident a "total loss," whereas they may very well pay to repair a newer vehicle that has major damage.

Notable old car owners

 * Sean Penn in 2003 was the owner of a 1987 Buick Grand National when the vehicle was stolen in Berkeley, California.
 * Sam Walton drove a 1979 Ford F-150 pickup truck until his 1992 death