The car I've got now ('98 BMW Touring) has been with me for 5 years now, and some of the reason for this is it just suits me. For the mileage I do (6-7000 a year), the petrol costs are containable, and servicing is reasonable. I changed the drivers seat for a sports item because the standard drivers seat gave me back ache, and if I hadn't done this, I wouldn't have the car now. So comfort is a big priority. If a car is comfortable for you then you can forgive some of it's weaker points. Look at how long people keep Volvo's. Yes, they can be a bit thirsty but a good seat and load bay works wonders.
I used to change my cars every few years, but I find I'm saving a wad of cash by keeping this one running, so that I can eventually afford a good replacement. And I'm constantly thinking about replacements. At the moment its a Skoda Octavia or Honda Accord, if the unthinkable happens and the beemer gets written off. Sometimes I wish I had something with a better ride but nothing has gone wrong with the car, everything works, and its got useful (for me) load space. I've got to the point where I don't see the car as a trade-in now, and knowing that I can buy my next car with cash that I've saved from keeping this car is a nice thought.
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