I wonder how much of a car's depreciation in value is due to simply having an outdated style.
If you drive a 10-year old Audi but your neighbour or co-worker has just bought a new Audi, you will feel the need to upgrade even if your car has no mechanical problems.
> If you drive a 10-year old Audi but your neighbour or co-worker has just bought a new Audi, you will feel the need to upgrade even if your car has no mechanical problems.
I got around that "issue". I drive an almost 20 year old Isuzu VehiCROSS. One the most capable full-time 4WD vehicles around. The thing handles like a sports car whether on pavement or dirt. I bought it used, spent more money fixing it up for daily driver usage, plus added a lift, some rock sliders, and a roof basket, among other upgrades.
I may only get 15 mpg from the beast, but none of my neighbors or co-workers own one, and likely never will; it's one of the most unique vehicles you can easily own, since there are less than 5000 in the United States alone. It's also mostly easily repairable, sharing parts with the Rodeo and Trooper (interior and exterior panels excepted).
I don't have to worry about what my neighbor owns - my truck (and yes - it is a truck - body on fully-boxed ladder-frame construction with a straight axle rear and IFS front) is so unique, so far I've only seen two others here in Arizona this year (last year I saw about 3, the year before about 5 - and I am certain most of those were "repeats" - there really aren't that many owners of the VX here in Arizona who "daily drive" them).
I love driving her - I grin ear-to-ear just thinking about driving my VX.
If you drive a 10-year old Audi but your neighbour or co-worker has just bought a new Audi, you will feel the need to upgrade even if your car has no mechanical problems.