“Drive It Till It Dies”: When That Strategy Works
Educational decision guide. U.S.-focused; costs vary by state/region and personal circumstances.
Many working households plan to keep a vehicle as long as possible. That can be rational—if you manage safety, predictability, and maintenance.
Not the same as neglect: “Run it out” still requires brakes, tires, and safety-critical repairs.
When the strategy works
- The vehicle is mostly reliable
- Repairs are occasional and predictable
- You can budget for wear items
How it fails
It fails when the vehicle becomes unpredictable (frequent no-starts, overheating, repeat breakdowns) or unsafe.
Practical playbook
- Fix safety items immediately
- Track monthly repair spend
- Keep a “replacement fund” slowly building
FAQ
Should I skip non-safety repairs?
Sometimes, but beware of problems that trigger bigger damage later (cooling, oil leaks).
How do I know it’s time to replace?
When downtime and surprise failures cost more than a replacement plan.