Epidemic of Aging: Demographic Crisis Hits Nation's Driveways

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

Never mind 2020. In the previous decade, Americans purchased more new cars per year than ever before. Roaring out of the recession, U.S. sales volumes ticked upwards year after year, settling above the 17 million marker and staying there for quite some time. Even last year’s haul defied expectations, landing north of that hallowed marker.

It didn’t reverse the increasingly geriatric nature of the country’s fleet, however. American automobiles, on average, have never been older, and they’re now poised to jump rapidly in age.

That’s the conclusion made by IHS Markit, which analyzed ownership data and revealed that the average car plying America’s roadways is 11.9 years old. Remember when the average age ticked above 11? It wasn’t long ago.

The analytics firm claims that one in four cars is now more than 16 years old, which is a testament to the rising quality of modern-day automobiles. Back in the ’90s, one-quarter of cars parked at the grocery store were not Ford Mavericks and Chevy Vegas. Nowadays, that beige 2002 Corolla is still ubiquitous.

As the new-car market cooled off just prior to the pandemic’s arrival, the country’s fleet-wide age was already poised to climb. COVID-19 ensured that scrappage rates declined even further, as buyers, increasingly worried about their financial future (or already laid off) kept what they had.

“At the start of 2020, all signs were pointing to moderate growth of the average age of vehicles through the first half of the decade, and there was certainly growing pessimism about how long the strong economic fundamentals could last,” said Todd Campau, associate director of Aftermarket Solutions at IHS Markit, in a release.

“However, the COVID-19 pandemic has created the perfect storm to accelerate U.S. light vehicle average age in coming years. This should be a positive side effect for the aftermarket, as the majority of repairs for older vehicles come through the aftermarket channel.”

In 2019, scrappage rates were less than that seen in 2009. Thanks to Cash for Clunkers, old vehicles exited the road at a faster clip than in pre-pandemic times; that decade-ago pace now stands to appear breakneck, assuming a similar program isn’t brought into effect in the near term.

IHS Markit predicts that, in a few years, average vehicle age could hit 12.5 years. It’s great news if you own a repair shop, or if you’re thinking of buying in the low end of the used market, as the glut of cars sold in the wake of the recession sink in price.

All that said, it’s not like Americans no longer need wheels. The pandemic hasn’t changed that. In fact, the uncertain virus situation has lent private vehicle ownership an increased importance.

“While work from home policies may continue for some time, there also has been increased reluctance in the use of public transit and ride sharing, and many consumers are opting for road trips instead of air travel for summer vacations,” Campau said. “As a result, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) may not be impacted greatly in the coming years, given the increased personal use to offset everyday commuting.”

[Image: Toyota]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • 3SpeedAutomatic 3SpeedAutomatic on Jul 29, 2020

    I’ve got my eye on a Lincoln Corsair. Lots of bells and whistles, small turbo 4 cylinder, but shutter at the $40k plus price tag. Decided to keep the the 8 yr old Escape with Wal-Mart chafe on the doors. As long as the A/C and radio work, I’m happy

    • Lie2me Lie2me on Jul 29, 2020

      I went and looked at that Corsair, that is one well done little Lincoln

  • Jeff S Jeff S on Jul 29, 2020

    Not a bad idea to drive an older vehicles that is not as fancy. After having enough money how much more do you need if you have a nice home, decent clothes, enough food, and the ability to be able to afford most things. If you vehicle is safe, reliable, and looks good then why do you need anything else unless you just want something. Cars have become less important to me as I have gotten older.

  • ToolGuy Learn to drive, people.
  • ToolGuy All you guys who get to buy brand-new vehicles are so lucky. 🙃
  • ToolGuy Curb weight is truly impressive, and not in a good way.
  • SaulTigh In the mid-90's I worked with a guy that drove a mid-80's T-Bird with the Essex V6. Paint was peeling and it literally didn't have an interior any longer (headliner and door panels were flat GONE, with just a crank and handle sticking out). Guy commuted about 30 miles a day and the thing would not die.He then got a much newer Pontiac and parked that T-bird under a tree. A year later, the Pontiac got totaled and he went out and put the jumper cables on that T-bird and it fired right up. Drove it another 2 years before sending it to the crusher. Impressive roach-osity for a domestic ride from that era.
  • Tassos Jong-iL I have many bad days, and wish my car would deal with my enemies for me. So yes please "gm" deliver this technology to One Korea.
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