From vintage clothing to retro furniture finds, Ally Financial said that thrifting is the shopping mode of choice for many Gen Z and millennial consumers as they look for ways to lessen their impact on the environment.
According to a new survey orchestrated by the finance company, the same approach now holds true for vehicle buying.
In a survey of 2,000 American adults conducted by One Poll on behalf of Ally Financial, 71% of consumers ages 18 to 40 say they would rather buy a used vehicle than a new one, even as used-vehicle prices hit record highs.
For this age group, Ally discovered sustainability is a key motivator with 63% of used-vehicle shoppers stating they would prefer a used vehicle specifically because it’s more sustainable and draws on fewer resources than building new models.
“Sustainability has become a key priority for Gen Z and millennial consumers, and it’s impacting the way they think about cars and their car-buying decisions,” said Doug Timmerman, president of dealer financial services at Ally Financial.
“Whether it be through purchasing an electric vehicle, or a used car, the goal remains the same: to lessen environmental impact,” Timmerman continued in a news release.
Ally’s survey indicated 82% of consumers ages 18 to 40 agree that electric vehicle are the future, with 72% saying they’d consider purchasing an electrified vehicle, compared to only 28% of drivers ages 57 and older.
However, Ally discovered cost is still a consideration as nearly half (45%) of Gen Z and millennial consumers said cost could hinder their EV purchase.
With used vehicles and electric vehicles gaining in popularity as sustainable options, Ally said consumers recognize any vehicle choice brings additional expenses. To keep expenses under control in uncertain times, 81% of younger consumers indicate they are more inclined to purchase a vehicle service contract (VSC) due to the pandemic.
“There’s a common misconception that electric vehicles have minimal service and repair needs, but that’s not necessarily the case,” Timmerman said.
“Whether consumers are purchasing EVs or used cars in an effort to be sustainable, vehicle service contracts can provide peace of mind for unexpected repair expenses and help extend the life of the vehicle,” he went on to say.
Ally reiterated that VSCs can help cover expenses such as repairs and replacement parts that fall outside the factory warranty including costly high-tech features such as LCD screens, lane departure warning systems, adaptive cruise control and more.
As an example, Ally Premier Protection VSCs cover more than 7,500 vehicle components and offer other benefits, such as alternate transportation (including ride sharing), roadside assistance and reimbursement for trip interruption caused by a breakdown.
Ally said levels of coverage vary by plan and are available for new and used vehicles.
If there was ever any doubt as to what segment draws the most attention in the used-vehicle market, let it be put to rest.
Each of the top three best-selling used vehicles in 2021 were full-size pickup trucks, according to an analysis from iSeeCars.com.
Read more
The average used vehicle sold at a modestly more brisk clip in August (34.6 days to sell) than it did in July (35.4 days), according to a recent analysis from iSeeCars.com.
And the fastest-selling used vehicle last month sold twice as quickly as that.
For the third month in a row, the Tesla Model 3 had the fastest turn time of any used vehicle in the iSeeCars data set, taking an average of just 16.9 days to sell.
It was joined on the list of Top 20 Fastest-Selling Used Vehicles in August by the Tesla Model X, which came in ninth with an average turn time of 24.1 days, and the Tesla Model S, which was 10th at 25.0 days to sell.
“The Tesla Model 3 has remained popular since its highly anticipated debut, thanks to its impressive technology and performance at a relatively affordable price compared to Tesla’s earlier vehicles,” iSeeCars executive analyst Karl Brauer said in the analysis.
“A new version of the Model 3’s Standard Range Plus variant is sold out for the remainder of 2021 to further add to the already-high demand for used versions, some of which are being sold at higher prices than new versions.”
Of the fellow models on the list, Brauer added: “Tesla continues to see record sales growth for its new vehicles, and demand for used Tesla models is on the rise as well.”
Alternative-fuel vehicles and conventional-fuel vehicles took fairly even shares of the top 20 list, iSeeCars said. But it should be noted that alternative-fuel vehicles represented four of the top five used models.
After the Model 3, there was a three-way tie for second: the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the BMW 4 Series and the Toyota Prius, each of which had an average turn time of 21.9 days.
Fifth was the Honda Insight with an average selling time of 22.0 days.
Of that top five, only the 4 Series is not a hybrid or electric.
Overall, there were seven hybrid vehicles that cracked the top 20, iSeeCars said, including five from the Toyota/Lexus family.
Those seven are: the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the Toyota Prius, the Honda Insight, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, the Lexus RX 450h, the Toyota Prius Prime, and the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid.
“Just like in the new-car marketplace, Toyota hybrid vehicles are hot sellers due to their reliability and advanced technology,” Brauer. “The Honda Clarity debuted in 2018, while the Honda Insight debuted in 2019, so used versions are just now becoming available and are in high-demand.”
iSeeCars compiled the list after analyzing more than 900,000 new- and used-vehicle sales from August. It limited the scope of used cars to the 2016-2020 model years.
You don’t even have to hit the “gas,” per se, for these used vehicles to move quickly.
The latest report from iSeeCars.com shows that the three fastest-selling used vehicles in July were all electrics.
Topping the list and taking an average of just 15.7 days to sell last month was the Tesla Model 3, followed by the Chevrolet Bolt EV (20.8 days to sell), according to the study.
The Model 3 has cracked the top 20 five straight times.
“The Tesla Model 3 has remained popular since its high-profile debut, thanks to impressive technology and performance, plus a relatively affordable price compared to Tesla’s earlier vehicles,” iSeeCars executive analyst Karl Brauer said in the analysis. “Used Model 3’s are so popular that consumers are willing to purchase used versions at higher prices than new versions.”
As for the No. 2 vehicle on the list, Brauer said: “Sales of new Chevrolet Bolts grew by 335 percent in Q2 2021 over 2020, and that popularity has extended to the used car marketplace.”
Coming in third was the Tesla Model S (21.3 days). The top 20 list from iSeeCars also included another electric: the Tesla Model X (24.7 days to sell), in the No. 7 spot.
Beyond these electrics, fuel consciousness appears to be a theme among used-car shoppers.
There were also six hybrids included in the top 20 fastest-selling rides (Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, BMW i3 and Honda Insight), meaning used hybrids and electrics made up nearly half of the list.
“The Honda Clarity debuted in 2018, while the Honda Insight debuted in 2019, so used versions are just now becoming available,” said Brauer. “Both new and used hybrid vehicles have been in high demand, and that demand has intensified as gas prices rise.”
The study included an iSeeCars analysis of more than 1 million new and used-car sales (for the 2016-2020 model years) in July.
In a separate but related report from late July, Kelley Blue Book shared what it believes are the 10 Best Used Hybrids and EVs Under $20,000 and the 10 Best Used Hybrids and EVs Under $15,000. Those respective lists can be found below.
“One of the most underrated deals is to buy a used hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric vehicle,” KBB senior managing editor Matt DeLorenzo said in a news release.
“Alternative-power vehicles have been on the market for 20 years now, so these models are well-established and have proven reliability,” DeLorenzo said.
“There also are plenty of choices out there — an attractive option to consider, since currently there is a major shortage on new-car inventory across the board,” he said. “Buyers of a used electrified vehicle certainly will save money at the pump, and some can even skip the gas station entirely.”
Kelley Blue Book's 10 Best Used Hybrids and EVs Under $20,000 for 2021
1. 2017 Toyota Prius
Fuel Economy: 52 mpg combined (54 city/50 highway)
Total Range: 588 miles
2. 2017 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Fuel Economy (LE): 40 mpg combined (42 city/38 highway)
Total Range: 680 miles
3. 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Fuel Economy: 32 mpg combined (34 city/30 highway)
Total Range: 474 miles
4. 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg combined (28 city/28 highway)
Total Range: 482 miles
5. 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid
Fuel Economy: 47 mpg combined (49 city/45 highway)
Total Range: 602 miles
6. 2015 Lexus ES 300h
Fuel Economy: 40 mpg combined (40 city/39 highway)
Total Range: 688 miles
7. 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV
Fuel Economy: 119 MPGe combined
Total Range: 238 miles
8. 2018 Nissan Leaf
Fuel Economy: 112 MPGe combined
Total Range: 151 miles
9. 2017 Chevrolet Volt
Fuel Economy – first 53 miles: 106 MPGe combined
Fuel Economy – next 367 miles: 42 mpg combined
Total Range: 420 miles
10. 2019 Kia Niro Hybrid
Fuel Economy: 49 mpg combined (51 city/46 highway)
Total Range: 583 miles
Kelley Blue Book's 10 Best Used Hybrids and EVs Under $15,000 for 2021
1. 2015 Toyota Prius
Fuel Economy: 48 mpg combined (50 city/46 highway)
Total Range: 571 miles
2. 2014 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Fuel Economy: 40 mpg combined (42 city/38 highway)
Total Range: 680 miles
3. 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid
Fuel Economy: 44 mpg combined (43 city/45 highway)
Total Range: 581 miles
4. 2015 Chevrolet Volt
Fuel Economy – first 38 miles: 98 MPGe combined
Fuel Economy – next 342 miles: 37 mpg combined
Total Range: 380 miles
5. 2017 Nissan Leaf
Fuel Economy: 112 MPGe combined (124 city/101 highway)
Total Range: 107 miles
6. 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid
Fuel Economy: 37 mpg combined (35 city/38 highway)
Total Range: 636 miles
7. 2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Fuel Economy: 37 mpg combined (35 city/38 highway)
Total Range: 684 miles
8. 2017 Toyota Prius C
Fuel Economy: 46 mpg combined (48 city/43 highway)
Total Range: 437 miles
9. 2015 Ford Fusion
Fuel Economy: 41 mpg combined (43 city/39 highway)
Total Range: 554 miles
10. 2016 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
Fuel Economy: 44 mpg combined (42 city/48 highway)
Total Range: 524 miles
They’re turning tassels on college campuses nationwide, and Autotrader offered suggestions for 10 vehicles dealerships could be turning with those newly minted degree holders.
Following the commemoration of the hard work they put in during the student years, Autotrader said young adults find themselves in need of their own vehicle as they begin the next phase of life.
To help guide members of the class of 2021 as they consider which vehicle to purchase, Autotrader named the 10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates with a practical focus on value, fuel economy, safety and reliability.
“Whether you’re still driving the car you’ve had since high school or you’re ready to purchase your first-ever vehicle, college graduates need affordable, reliable transportation,” Autotrader executive editor Brian Moody said in a news release. “There are many factors to consider and hundreds of different car models available in the marketplace, so it can feel overwhelming when trying to decide which vehicle to choose.
“We understand that with a job offer in hand it may be tempting to consider splurging on a dream car, but we advise grads not to overdo it,” Moody continued. “There are plenty of great new and used cars available for a reasonable price that won’t stretch your first real paychecks too far.”
Autotrader indicated all vehicles on this year’s 10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates list — a mix of new and used cars and SUVs — currently are retailing for less than $25,000 and achieve a combined fuel economy rating of at least 30 mpg.
The rundown of unranked vehicles listed in alphabetical order include:
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
2018 Ford Focus
2017 – 2018 Honda Civic
2018 – 2020 Hyundai Kona
2021 Kia Soul
2021 Mazda3
2021 Nissan Sentra
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
2016 – 2018 Toyota Prius
2016 – 2018 Volkswagen Jetta
To learn more about Autotrader’s 10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates in 2021, including photos, detailed vehicle information and available inventory, go to this website.
It may only be a coincidence that the fastest-selling used vehicles in April were also, quite simply, the fastest vehicles.
Or maybe not.
It was warming up outside — great for driving a sports car — and as iSeeCars.com executive analyst Karl Brauer said in an analysis, “High-performance vehicles have been popular during the pandemic as a source of joy.”
These “joy” rides (though not the type that might get a teenager with their parents or Johnny Law) were atop the list of what iSeeCars found to be the 20 fastest-selling used vehicles last month.
Leading The Fast and The Joyful was the BMW 2 Series, which had an average days to sell of 21.9 days in April, according to iSeeCars.
It was followed by the Mazda MX-5 Miata (22.2 days) as the second-fastest seller and Chevrolet Corvette (23.2 days) in the No. 3 spot.
And the Corvette was actually the fastest-selling new vehicle, the company said, taking just 9.2 days to sell.
“The new mid-engine Corvette is the fastest-selling new car for the third consecutive month,” Brauer said in the analysis. “The Corvette C8 has been in short supply since its 2020 debut due to overwhelming demand and multiple production setbacks, forcing General Motors to stop taking orders for the 2021 model.”
Meantime, the MINI Convertible (No. 7 with 26.2 days) was the next sports car on the used-car list.
(Perhaps used-car buyers have gotten into rewatching “The Italian Job.”)
The BMW 4 Series also cracked the top 10 with days to sell at 28, and the Kia Stinger was another pre-owned sports car on iSeeCars fast seller with an average time to sell of 29.3 days.
Elsewhere in the top half of iSeeCars list of 20 fastest-selling pre-owned vehicles, the Hyundai Palisade came in at No. 4, with an average days to sell of 25.5 last month. Its corporate cousin, the Kia Telluride, was No. 5.
“These vehicles debuted for the 2020 model year and have sustained their popularity, and while they aren’t yet widely available in the used-car marketplace, they had an increase in inventory in May over April,” Brauer said in the analysis. “Given the markup and scarcity of new Kia Tellurides, used versions are appealing to consumers unable to locate a new model or who want to save money.”
Following those similar rides was the Tesla Model 3 in the No. 6 spot, with 25.7 days to sell.
“The Tesla Model 3 is the most popular EV in the world and has sustained popularity since its high-profile debut,” said Brauer. “Rising gasoline prices, as well as recent price increases for new Model 3 vehicles likely, contributed to the popularity of used Model 3 vehicles, which also have stellar value retention.”
Side note: It will be interesting to see if and where the Model 3 or other electrics move in May, given the current gas shortage in the Southeast.
Honda had two vehicles crack the top 10, including the Civic hatchback at No. 8 (26.8 days to sell) and the Civic sedan at No. 10 (28.2 days to sell).
Overall, used cars took 37.4 days to sell in April, according to iSeeCars. New cars took 48.3 days to sell.
But as the new and used data shows, some cars are flying off the lots – both in terms of days-to-sell and the speed of the vehicles themselves.
“Car buyers who are making a new or used-car purchase might have difficulty finding the most in-demand vehicles, and may end up paying a premium for them in the used car marketplace,” said Brauer. “While automakers are prioritizing their more popular vehicles and continuing production in the wake of the microchip shortage, demand for these vehicles is still likely to outpace supply in the coming months."
Used vehicles in the study included vehicles from the 2016 to 2020 model-years. The full iSeeCars analysis can be found here.
Toyota. Toyota. Toyota. Toyota.
That vehicle manufacturer is known for its reliability and durability, and a new study from iSeeCars.com proves it again.
Toyota vehicles occupy the top four spots in iSeeCars’ latest study, titled, “Cars People Keep the Longest.” The study starts out by showing the top 15 vehicles owners keep for 15 years or longer.
And the vehicle that people keep the longest? That honor goes to the Toyota Highlander. Among the Highlander models on the road that are 15 years or older, 18.3% are being driven by the original owner.
The next three on the list are the Toyota Sienna (15.5%), the Toyota Tacoma (14.5%) and Toyota Tundra (14.2%).
But Toyota doesn’t just dominate the top four spots. After the Subaru Forester, which took the No. 5 spot and was the only non-Toyota and non-Honda vehicle in the top 15, Toyota vehicles took six more spots in the top 15. Honda took four of the remaining spots.
SUVs also gained the spotlight, with seven of them getting representation on the list of longest-kept vehicles. But the list also includes a mix of pickup trucks, sedans and a minivan.
It even includes a hybrid, the Toyota Prius, which came in ninth place overall.
Among the Prius models on the road that are 15 years or older, 11.9% are being driven by the original owner.
Segment declines, but small cars still popular
iSeeCars chief executive officer Phong Ly noted that American automakers have abandoned smaller cars from their lineups, focusing on trucks and SUVs.
But the dependability and reputation of those small cars “has not only kept them in production, but helped them remain popular even amid their segment’s decline,” Ly said in a news release.
The Toyota Camry, Corolla and Prius were three of four cars to make the list.
Ly praised the reliability and affordability of the Corolla and Camry.
“The safety and longevity of these vehicles causes them to commonly be passed on from adults to their teenage drivers, which helps extend their life on the road,” Ly said.
In case you are already tired of hearing about Toyota, the Honda Civic was the fourth car to make the list, coming in at No. 14 overall.
Moving to the SUVs that people keep the longest, some non-Toyota vehicles also take the spotlight. The Subaru Forester, Honda Pilot, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mitsubishi Outlander, Acura MDX and Nissan Armada make the top 12, in addition to five Toyota SUVs. Of course, the Toyota Highlander took the top spot.
Of the Subaru Forester, which came in at No. 5 on the overall list, Ly described it as being reliable and known for safety and affordability.
“The vehicle offers standard all-wheel drive and impressive fuel economy, which appeal to practical consumers who are diligent about scheduled maintenance and want to prolong the life of their vehicles,” Ly said of the Forester.
Owners hold on tight to their work trucks
Toyota’s Tacoma and Tundra took the top two spots in the listing of trucks that people keep the longest.
But also making the top 11 trucks that people keep the longest were the Chevrolet Colorado, the Nissan Titan, Nissan Frontier, GMC Canyon, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Ram 1500, Ford Ranger and Ford F-150.
“Because pickup trucks are often used as work vehicles, their owners are more likely to keep up with the necessary [preventive] maintenance to keep these vehicles on the road for longer,” Ly said.
Additional results of note from the study: the Audi S4 is the sports car that people keep the longest, and the Acura MDX is the longest-kept luxury car.
The survey also lists car brands people keep the longest. No surprise: Toyota comes out on top.
Among the Toyota models on the road that are 15 years or older, 12.7% are being driven by the original owner.
Subaru, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Lexus, Kia, Nissan, GMC and Chevrolet rounded out the top 10.
Top 15 vehicles owners keep for 15 years or longer
Car |
% 15+ year old cars kept by original owners |
Compared to average |
1. Toyota Highlander |
18.3% |
2.4x |
2. Toyota Sienna |
15.5% |
2.0x |
3. Toyota Tacoma |
14.5% |
1.9x |
4. Toyota Tundra |
14.2% |
1.8x |
5. Subaru Forester |
12.8% |
1.7x |
6. Toyota RAV4 |
12.7% |
1.6x |
7. Honda Pilot |
12.6% |
1.6x |
8. Honda CR-V |
12.4% |
1.6x |
9. Toyota Prius |
11.9% |
1.5x |
10. Toyota 4Runner |
11.8% |
1.5x |
11. Honda Odyssey |
11.6% |
1.5x |
12. Toyota Corolla |
11.4% |
1.5x |
13. Toyota Camry |
11.0% |
1.4x |
14. Honda Civic |
11.0% |
1.4x |
15. Toyota Land Cruiser |
10.6% |
1.4x |
Overall average |
7.7% |
|
Chart source: iSeeCars.com
Of the top 10 car makes on the road in 2018, five were American, and five were foreign makes. Sixteen of the top 25 car models are sedans.
Of the top car makes and models on U.S. roads in 2018, Chevrolet and Ford are the dominant automakers, combining for more than one-quarter of all cars on the road.
Those are just a few of the tidbits of information coming from a new study of the most popular car makes and models on U.S. roads in 2018. The study from Digital Media Solutions shows that the top 10 car companies in America— including Chevrolet, Ford, Nissan, Dodge, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, BMW, GMC and Chrysler— make up more than two-thirds of cars currently on the road.
BMW is the only luxury car brand in the top 10 car company list. No sports cars, minivans or luxury cars made the top 25 car model list.
Additional highlights from the DMS Auto Insights include the fact that the top 25 car models in the U.S. combined make up more than one-quarter of all the cars on the road. Six of the top 25 car models are SUVs, and three are pickup trucks.
Breaking the top car models down by segment, the sedans on the list are the Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Ford Focus, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Camry and Toyota Corolla.
The Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Escape, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Rogue are the top SUVs, and the Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram and Ford F-150 are the top pickups.
Six of the top 25 car models are compact cars: Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla and Toyota Sentra. Three of those—the Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Impala and Ford Focus— were canceled for 2019.
Additional items of interest:
— Chevrolet, the most popular car brand in America, has six of the top 25 car models.
— The Nissan Altima is the most popular car model in the U.S.
— The Ford F-150 is the most popular pickup truck in America.
— The Chevrolet Equinox is the most popular SUV in America.
The top 15 cars that original owners keep for 15 years or more are exclusively Japanese models and predominantly Toyotas, according to a new study by iSeeCars.com.
Earning the top spot is the Toyota Highlander midsize SUV, with 18.5 percent of original owners keeping the vehicle for 15 years or more, two and a half times the average for all vehicles.
The automotive research firm analyzed more than 750,000 cars from the 1981-2003 model years sold in 2018 to determine which cars are most likely to be kept for at least 15 years.
Toyota holds 10 spots among the top 15 models, followed by Honda with three.
“Japanese vehicles are known for their quality and reliability, which is reaffirmed by the results of this list,” iSeeCars chief executive officer Phong Ly said in a news release on the study.
The charts below provide a summary of the findings are courtesy of iSeeCars.
Top 15 Cars Owners Keep for 15 Years or Longer
|
Rank
|
Car
|
% Original Owners Keeping Car for 15+ Years
|
Compared to Average
|
1
|
Toyota Highlander
|
18.5%
|
2.5x
|
2
|
Toyota Prius
|
16.2%
|
2.2x
|
3
|
Toyota Sienna
|
16.1%
|
2.2x
|
4
|
Honda Pilot
|
15.3%
|
2x
|
5
|
Toyota Tundra
|
14.1%
|
1.9x
|
6
|
Toyota Sequoia
|
13.5%
|
1.8x
|
7
|
Toyota Tacoma
|
13.4%
|
1.8x
|
8
|
Honda Odyssey
|
12.6%
|
1.7x
|
9
|
Honda CR-V
|
12.4%
|
1.7x
|
10
|
Subaru Forester
|
12.1%
|
1.6x
|
11
|
Toyota RAV4
|
12.1%
|
1.6x
|
12
|
Toyota Camry
|
11.5%
|
1.5x
|
13
|
Acura MDX
|
11.4%
|
1.5x
|
14
|
Toyota 4Runner
|
11.2%
|
1.5x
|
15
|
Toyota Avalon
|
10.8%
|
1.4x
|
Average for All Cars
|
7.5%
|
–
|
SUVs account for the majority of the vehicles on the list with eight, but the list includes a mix of additional vehicle types, including pickup trucks, sedans, minivans, and even a hybrid. That shows consumers can find an enduring vehicle to match their unique needs, Ly said.
After the top-ranked Toyota Highlander, three additional Toyota SUVs make the list, including the sixth-ranked Sequoia, the 11th-ranked RAV4, and the 14th-ranked 4Runner.
“These Toyota SUVs all have above-average reliability ratings, which likely contributes to why their owners choose to hold onto them,” said Ly.
The second-ranked Toyota Prius is the only hybrid on the list.
“Because of the added upfront cost of hybrid vehicles, owners have the incentive to keep their cars for longer to accrue fuel savings to offset the initial expense,” Ly noted. “The oldest hybrid vehicle to remain in continuous production, the Prius’ appearance on the list helps dispel concerns about battery durability and shows that Toyota’s quality and reliability standards extend beyond its conventional fuel vehicles.”
Two minivans make the list — the third-ranked Toyota Sienna and the eighth-ranked Honda Odyssey.
“Minivans are the consummate family vehicles ideal for families with younger children due to their practicality and accessibility,” said Ly. “However, these vehicles are so reliable for families that they may be keeping them after their children have grown when a minivan is no longer necessary.”
Two Honda SUVs — the fourth-ranked midsize Pilot and the ninth-ranked compact CR-V — are among the vehicles most likely to be kept for 15 years or more.
“Both vehicles consistently earn high reliability and safety ratings making them popular family vehicles that stand the test of time,” said Ly. The lone luxury vehicle on the list comes from Honda’s luxury marque, Acura, with the MDX in the 13th spot.
“The MDX shares a chassis with the Pilot, which suggests that both are well-made vehicles that are depended on by their owners.”
Also making the list are two Toyota pickup trucks: the fifth-ranked Tundra and the seventh-ranked Tacoma.
“The Tundra has frequently been named as the ‘Most Dependable Large Pickup’ according to JD Power, and the Tacoma has consistently been the best-selling midsize pickup truck,” said Ly. “The fact that their owners don’t want to give their trucks up speaks to the dependability of Toyota pickups.”
Two Toyota midsize sedans, the 12th-ranked Camry and the 15th-ranked Avalon round out the list.
“The Camry and Avalon are built on the same platform and both achieve excellent reliability ratings,” noted Ly. “While many manufacturers are discontinuing sedans due to the declining popularity of the segment, there is still a demand for the popular Toyota sedans due to their excellent quality.”
The lone Subaru on the list is the 10th-ranked Forester compact SUV.
“The Forester is a reliable vehicle known for its safety and affordability, which are both characteristics of the Subaru brand,” said Ly. “The vehicle offers standard all-wheel drive and impressive fuel economy, which appeal to practical consumers.”
Comparison of brands
As reflected in the model analysis, Japanese brands produce the most cars that owners keep for 15 years or longer. Of the five brands that score above the 7.5 percent average for all vehicles to be kept for at least 15 years, four are Japanese. Korean brand Hyundai ranks fourth with 8.9 percent of original owners keeping cars made by the brand for at least 15 years.
Top 10 Brands Owners Keep for 15 Years or More
|
Rank
|
Brand
|
% Original Owners Keeping Car for 15+ Years
|
Compared to Average
|
1
|
Toyota
|
12.3%
|
1.6x
|
2
|
Honda
|
10.3%
|
1.4x
|
3
|
Subaru
|
10.0%
|
1.3x
|
4
|
Hyundai
|
8.9%
|
1.2x
|
5
|
Nissan
|
7.6%
|
1x
|
6
|
Kia
|
7.4%
|
1x
|
7
|
GMC
|
6.9%
|
0.9x
|
8
|
Volkswagen
|
6.8%
|
0.9x
|
9
|
Chevrolet
|
6.6%
|
0.9x
|
10
|
Mercedes-Benz
|
5.7%
|
0.8x
|
Average for All Cars
|
7.5%
|
–
|
Rankings by Metro Area
iSeeCars analyzed the data geographically to determine the metropolitan areas with the highest percentage of cars with original owners who keep their vehicles for at least 15 years. iSeeCars identified 35 metro areas where the percentage of cars kept by original owners for at least 15 years is at least 1.2 times greater than the national average of 7.5 percent.
Metro Areas with Most Cars Original Owners Keep for 15+ Years
|
Rank
|
Metro Area
|
% Original Owners Keeping Car for 15+ Years
|
Compared to Average
|
1
|
San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA
|
17.2%
|
2.3x
|
2
|
Honolulu, HI
|
15.4%
|
2.1x
|
3
|
Houston, TX
|
13.6%
|
1.8x
|
4
|
Baltimore, MD
|
12.9%
|
1.7x
|
5
|
Austin, TX
|
11.8%
|
1.6x
|
6
|
San Diego, CA
|
11.7%
|
1.6x
|
7
|
Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX
|
11.5%
|
1.5x
|
8
|
Salt Lake City, UT
|
11.5%
|
1.5x
|
9
|
Washington, DC (Hagerstown, MD)
|
11.4%
|
1.5x
|
10
|
Reno, NV
|
11.2%
|
1.5x
|
11
|
San Antonio, TX
|
11.1%
|
1.5x
|
12
|
Las Vegas, NV
|
11.1%
|
1.5x
|
13
|
New Orleans, LA
|
10.8%
|
1.4x
|
14
|
Waco-Temple-Bryan, TX
|
10.7%
|
1.4x
|
15
|
Milwaukee, WI
|
10.5%
|
1.4x
|
16
|
Raleigh-Durham (Fayetteville), NC
|
10.5%
|
1.4x
|
17
|
Portland, OR
|
10.3%
|
1.4x
|
18
|
Eugene, OR
|
10.3%
|
1.4x
|
19
|
Philadelphia, PA
|
10.1%
|
1.3x
|
20
|
Cincinnati, OH
|
10.1%
|
1.3x
|
21
|
Tucson (Sierra Vista), AZ
|
10.0%
|
1.3x
|
22
|
Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, CA
|
9.9%
|
1.3x
|
23
|
Santa Barbara-San Luis Obispo, CA
|
9.7%
|
1.3x
|
24
|
Los Angeles, CA
|
9.7%
|
1.3x
|
25
|
Wilmington, NC
|
9.7%
|
1.3x
|
26
|
Baton Rouge, LA
|
9.7%
|
1.3x
|
27
|
New York, NY
|
9.7%
|
1.3x
|
28
|
Providence, RI-New Bedford, MA
|
9.5%
|
1.3x
|
29
|
Lubbock, TX
|
9.4%
|
1.3x
|
30
|
Denver, CO
|
9.4%
|
1.2x
|
31
|
Pittsburgh, PA
|
9.4%
|
1.2x
|
32
|
Detroit, MI
|
9.2%
|
1.2x
|
33
|
Chicago, IL
|
9.1%
|
1.2x
|
34
|
Harrisburg-Lancaster-York, PA
|
9.1%
|
1.2x
|
35
|
Greensboro-Winston Salem, NC
|
8.8%
|
1.2x
|
Overall Average
|
7.5%
|
–
|
“Vehicles that are kept for so many years show that they can stand the test of time and likely don’t have to frequently undergo expensive repairs,” said Ly. “Those looking for a reliable and enduring car have a variety of options across all vehicle types.”
Honda came out on top in the 2019 AutoWeb Buyer’s Choice Awards with five wins in the categories of hatchback, van, sedan, compact, and small SUV, with the 2019 Honda Accord winning Best Car of the Year and the 2019 Honda CR-V winning Best Utility Vehicle of the Year.
General Motors won four category awards for the luxury SUV, coupe, alternative-fuel vehicle and sports car categories. Ford rounded out the top three overall winners, with its 2019 Ford F-150 clinching the Best Truck of the Year category.
These awards represent the most popularly submitted price quote requests for specific vehicles from more than 120 million consumers who visited AutoWeb’s network of automotive websites from October 2017 to October 2018, compared to all other vehicles in their competitive sets. Data in 17 car shopping sub-categories was analyzed for these awards.
“Unlike awards comprised of editors’ top picks or consumer surveys, the AutoWeb Buyer’s Choice Awards represent what millions of real consumers have actually chosen during an important part of their shopping process. Our awards are simple: They recognize the vehicles that have generated the most price quote requests on our websites,” said Jared Rowe, president and chief executive officer of AutoWeb, in a news release.
The following are the category winners of the 2019 AutoWeb Buyer’s Choice Awards:
2019 AutoWeb Buyer’s Choice Awards: Category Winners
|
Category Awards
|
Winners
|
Best Wagon
|
2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
|
Best Convertible
|
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
|
Best Luxury Car
|
2019 Genesis G80
|
Best Luxury SUV
|
2019 Cadillac Escalade
|
Best Hatchback
|
2019 Honda Fit
|
Best Heavy-Duty Truck
|
2019 Ford F-250
|
Best Coupe
|
2019 Chevrolet Camaro
|
Best Van
|
2019 Honda Odyssey
|
Best Alternative Fuel Vehicle
|
2019 Chevrolet Bolt EV
|
Best Sports Car
|
2019 Chevrolet Corvette
|
Best Sedan
|
2019 Honda Accord
|
Best Compact
|
2019 Honda Civic
|
Best Small Truck
|
2019 Toyota Tacoma
|
Best Full-Size Truck
|
2019 Ford F-150
|
Best Small SUV
|
2019 Honda CR-V
|
Best Midsize SUV
|
2019 Subaru Forester
|
Best Large SUV/Crossover
|
2019 Kia Sorento
|
The following are the number of awards each winning manufacturer garnered in the AutoWeb 2019 Buyer’s Choice Awards:
2019 AutoWeb Buyer’s Choice Awards
|
Manufacturer
|
Number of Awards
|
Honda
|
5
|
General Motors
|
4
|
Ford
|
2
|
Volkswagen
|
1
|
Mazda
|
1
|
Genesis
|
1
|
Toyota
|
1
|
Subaru
|
1
|
Kia
|
1
|