GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Car Ownership Duration Statistics

The average duration of car ownership in the United States is around 6.5 years.

Highlights: Car Ownership Duration Statistics

  • The average age of cars and light trucks in operation in the U.S. is just above 11.6 years, according to IHS Markit.
  • As per Cox Automotive, 56% of Gen Z consumers and 49% of Millennial car owners are planning to own their next car for more than six years.
  • According to Cargurus survey, most consumers plan on keeping their car for 10 years.
  • According to a recent study by R.L. Polk, the average car ownership duration increased about 60% over the last decade.
  • Nearly 86% of vehicles on the road are over three years old according to R.L. Polk.
  • AutoList Survey found that 35% of respondents intended to own their car for more than ten years.
  • In 2018, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported that roughly 40% of households owned two cars.
  • The average American family owns 1.9 cars, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
  • According to R.L. Polk, almost 44% of car owners keep their car over 10 years.
  • According to a survey by Consumer Reports, the percentage of cars getting scrapped after 15 years increased from 5.5% in 2002 to 13.5% in 2017.
  • As per OICA data, the average age of cars in Europe is 10.7 years.
  • Research by SMMT shows that in the UK, the average car ownership duration is 3.4 years for new cars.
  • Auto List’s survey data revealed that 3% of car owners plan to own their car for less than a year.
  • The average length of car ownership for a new car buyer in China is 4.5 years, according to J.D. Power.
  • A study from AAA states that on average, a new vehicle will cost its owner just over $9,500 per year based on driving 15,000 miles annually.

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The Latest Car Ownership Duration Statistics Explained

The average age of cars and light trucks in operation in the U.S. is just above 11.6 years, according to IHS Markit.

The statistic indicates that the average age of cars and light trucks currently being used in the United States is slightly above 11.6 years, as reported by IHS Markit. This means that, on average, the vehicles on American roads have been in operation for over a decade. The longevity of these vehicles could be attributed to factors such as improved manufacturing quality, advancements in vehicle technology and maintenance practices, as well as economic considerations leading consumers to hold onto their vehicles for longer periods of time. Understanding the average age of vehicles in operation is essential for various stakeholders, including policymakers, auto manufacturers, and service providers, as it can inform decisions related to transportation infrastructure planning, environmental impact assessments, and market strategies within the automotive industry.

As per Cox Automotive, 56% of Gen Z consumers and 49% of Millennial car owners are planning to own their next car for more than six years.

This statistic indicates that a higher percentage of Generation Z consumers (56%) are planning to own their next car for more than six years compared to Millennial car owners (49%). This suggests that Gen Z, the younger demographic, may have a stronger inclination towards longer-term ownership of vehicles than Millennials. The data provided by Cox Automotive highlights a notable trend in car ownership preferences among these two generational cohorts, with a significant portion of both groups intending to keep their next car for an extended period. Understanding these consumer intentions can be valuable for automakers and dealerships in tailoring their marketing strategies and product offerings to meet the changing demands and preferences of different age groups in the automotive market.

According to Cargurus survey, most consumers plan on keeping their car for 10 years.

The statistic from the Cargurus survey indicates that a majority of consumers have expressed their intention to retain their current car for a considerable period, specifically for 10 years. This suggests a significant trend towards long-term ownership of vehicles among the surveyed population. Such a finding can have implications for various aspects of the automotive industry, including consumer behavior, purchasing patterns, and market dynamics. Understanding the reasons behind this trend, such as economic factors, technological advancements in vehicle longevity, or changing preferences towards sustainability and reduced environmental impact, could provide valuable insights to automakers, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the automotive sector.

According to a recent study by R.L. Polk, the average car ownership duration increased about 60% over the last decade.

The statistic from the study conducted by R.L. Polk indicates a significant increase in the average car ownership duration over the past decade. Specifically, it states that the average amount of time individuals own a car has risen by approximately 60% during this time period. This suggests a notable shift in consumer behavior towards keeping their vehicles for a longer period before trading them in or purchasing new ones. Possible factors contributing to this trend could include improved vehicle durability, economic uncertainties leading to reduced spending on new vehicles, or changing attitudes towards sustainability and environmental impact. Overall, this statistic highlights an important trend in the automotive industry that could have implications for car manufacturers, dealerships, and related industries.

Nearly 86% of vehicles on the road are over three years old according to R.L. Polk.

The statistic that nearly 86% of vehicles on the road are over three years old, as reported by R.L. Polk, indicates that the majority of vehicles in circulation have been in use for at least three years. This suggests that there is a relatively low turnover rate in the vehicle market, with a significant number of older vehicles remaining in operation. Such a distribution of vehicle ages could have implications for various aspects, including maintenance and repair needs, environmental considerations related to emissions, and potentially the demand for new vehicles in the market. This statistic highlights the importance of understanding the composition of the vehicle fleet for policymakers, manufacturers, and service providers in the automotive industry.

AutoList Survey found that 35% of respondents intended to own their car for more than ten years.

The statistic reported that 35% of respondents in the AutoList Survey expressed the intention of owning their car for more than ten years. This finding indicates a significant portion of the survey’s participants have long-term plans for vehicle ownership, potentially reflecting a perceived value in maintaining the same car for an extended period. Such insights are valuable for understanding consumer behavior and preferences in the automotive industry, providing useful information for car manufacturers, marketers, and policymakers to cater to the needs and preferences of individuals planning to keep their vehicles for an extended period.

In 2018, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported that roughly 40% of households owned two cars.

The statistic states that in 2018, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics found that approximately 40% of households in a given population owned two cars. This data point provides valuable insight into the car ownership habits of households at that time, indicating a significant portion of the population maintained a two-car household. The statistic suggests the importance of cars as a mode of transportation for many households, potentially reflecting factors such as commuting needs, availability of public transportation, and economic considerations. Policymakers, urban planners, and businesses in the transportation industry may use this information to better understand consumer behavior and make informed decisions regarding infrastructure, services, and marketing strategies.

The average American family owns 1.9 cars, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

The statistic that the average American family owns 1.9 cars, as reported by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, indicates the typical number of cars per family household in the United States. This figure suggests that most families have almost two cars, which may be reflective of the importance of personal transportation in American society. The decimal point of 1.9 signifies that while some families may own one car, others may have two or more, resulting in an average that falls between these whole numbers. Overall, this statistic provides insight into car ownership patterns among American families and can be useful for transportation planning and understanding consumer behavior in the automotive industry.

According to R.L. Polk, almost 44% of car owners keep their car over 10 years.

The statistic provided by R.L. Polk indicates that nearly 44% of car owners choose to keep their vehicles for a period exceeding 10 years. This percentage suggests a significant portion of car owners opt for long-term ownership, which could be due to various factors such as financial considerations, attachment to the vehicle, or satisfaction with its reliability and performance. Maintaining a car for over a decade may also be indicative of proper upkeep and timely maintenance by the owner, reflecting a commitment to prolonging the lifespan of the vehicle. This statistic showcases a notable trend in automobile ownership habits and provides valuable insights into consumer behavior within the automotive industry.

According to a survey by Consumer Reports, the percentage of cars getting scrapped after 15 years increased from 5.5% in 2002 to 13.5% in 2017.

The statistic indicates that there has been a notable increase in the percentage of cars being scrapped after 15 years over the time period from 2002 to 2017. The data from a survey conducted by Consumer Reports shows that the proportion of cars reaching the end of their usable lifespan and being scrapped rose from 5.5% in 2002 to 13.5% in 2017. This substantial increase suggests a significant shift in consumer behavior and/or vehicle longevity trends over the fifteen-year period. Various factors such as advancements in automotive technology, changes in consumer preferences, improved vehicle durability, and environmental concerns may have contributed to this observed increase in the scrappage rate for cars.

As per OICA data, the average age of cars in Europe is 10.7 years.

The statistic ‘As per OICA data, the average age of cars in Europe is 10.7 years’ indicates that, on average, the cars on the roads in Europe are 10.7 years old. This means that the majority of vehicles currently in use in Europe were manufactured over a decade ago. A higher average age of cars may be indicative of several factors such as economic conditions, consumer behaviors, maintenance habits, and technological advancements in the automotive industry. Generally, an older average age of cars could potentially result in higher maintenance costs, increased emissions, and potentially lower fuel efficiency compared to newer vehicles. This statistic can provide insights into the overall composition and condition of the vehicle fleet in Europe, which can be useful for policymakers, automotive manufacturers, and other stakeholders in the industry.

Research by SMMT shows that in the UK, the average car ownership duration is 3.4 years for new cars.

The statistic states that research conducted by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveals that the average duration of car ownership for new cars in the UK is 3.4 years. This means that on average, individuals who purchase a new car in the UK tend to keep it for approximately 3.4 years before selling or replacing it. This information provides insight into consumer behavior regarding car ownership patterns and can be useful for the automotive industry in predicting market trends, designing marketing strategies, and understanding customer preferences and purchasing habits in the UK car market.

Auto List’s survey data revealed that 3% of car owners plan to own their car for less than a year.

The statistic indicates that based on Auto List’s survey data, 3% of car owners are planning to own their current vehicle for less than a year. This finding suggests that a small proportion of car owners may have short-term ownership plans, possibly due to factors such as temporary financial constraints, a desire to upgrade vehicles frequently, or specific usage needs. Understanding the duration for which individuals intend to keep their cars can provide insights into customer behavior, purchasing patterns, and overall market dynamics within the automotive industry. The statistic highlights variability in ownership duration preferences among car owners and can be valuable information for automakers, dealerships, and other industry stakeholders looking to cater to diverse customer needs and preferences.

The average length of car ownership for a new car buyer in China is 4.5 years, according to J.D. Power.

The statistic that the average length of car ownership for a new car buyer in China is 4.5 years, according to J.D. Power, indicates the typical duration that new car owners in China keep their vehicles before selling, trading them in, or otherwise disposing of them. This information can be valuable for various stakeholders, including automakers, dealerships, and policymakers, as it provides insights into consumer behavior, market dynamics, and trends in the automotive industry within the Chinese market. By understanding and analyzing this statistic, businesses can make informed decisions regarding product development, marketing strategies, and customer engagement to cater to the preferences and needs of new car buyers in China.

A study from AAA states that on average, a new vehicle will cost its owner just over $9,500 per year based on driving 15,000 miles annually.

The statistic from AAA stating that a new vehicle will cost its owner just over $9,500 per year based on driving 15,000 miles annually is an estimation of the average yearly expenses associated with owning and operating a new vehicle. This cost likely includes factors such as depreciation, fuel costs, insurance, maintenance, registration fees, and potentially loan payments or lease costs. The figure of $9,500 serves as an approximate guide for consumers to consider when budgeting for the overall expenses tied to vehicle ownership, taking into account a typical annual mileage driven. This statistic can provide valuable insight for individuals who are in the market for a new vehicle, helping them to make informed decisions about their transportation expenditures.

References

0. – https://www.www.autotrader.com

1. – https://www.china.jdpower.com

2. – https://www.www.smmt.co.uk

3. – https://www.dealers.cargurus.com

4. – https://www.www.bts.gov

5. – https://www.www.oica.net

6. – https://www.www.autolist.com

7. – https://www.newsroom.aaa.com

8. – https://www.www.coxautoinc.com

9. – https://www.www.polk.com

10. – https://www.www.wardsauto.com

11. – https://www.www.consumerreports.org

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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