Delhi’s fuel ban for older cars had caused a furore and that has resulted in the Delhi government writing to the Commission for Air Quality Management to hold the ban. While end-of-life vehicles won’t be impounded, vehicles would be banned instead by their pollution instead of just the age. But that also brings the question as to how long should you generally keep a new car? Interestingly, Indians upgrade quicker to new cars than other markets. The average age of used cars is getting lower and Indian car buyers are upgrading faster.
The average age of a used car has gone down to 4 years from what it was years ago which means buyers upgrade much quicker. But to maximise the value, how long can you keep a new car? It all depends on how you drive and regularly service it. Since a well maintained car can go trouble free for years rather than one not being maintained. However, you can keep a car for 10 years or more minimum while it also depends on various factors like the driving usage, service and maintenance.
Towards the later years, maintenance is costly indeed but in many times, depreciation is the biggest reason why car owners sell off their cars earlier within the 5 years period to get the best resale or when the warranty runs out. While modern day cars are reliable, the diesel cars require maintenance more than petrol cars. Hence, it depends on your usage, your requirements but modern day cars are much more reliable and if maintained well can run trouble free for years.
