Why I’m Still Driving My 2017 Volvo After 112,000 Miles

After I purchased my Volvo XC90 in 2017, I used to be thrilled to get a protected, third-row car. With three children between the ages of three and eight, the additional area meant fewer fights and extra room, and reassured me that the automotive’s security options would assist me drive by way of snowy roads and metropolis site visitors.

Virtually a decade later, that very same Volvo has over 112,000 miles on it. I nonetheless keep in mind when my household and I sat on the entrance porch, excited, as we watched the automotive get delivered from the truck.

Today, my children have been asking me when I will get a brand new automotive, and my reply stays the identical — I love my car and I will maintain driving it.

The automotive continues to be dependable — and I belief it

Apart from common upkeep and tire changes, the automotive has been dependable. Earlier than the guarantee expired, we bought an prolonged guarantee on the car. Now that the prolonged guarantee has expired resulting from mileage, I’m nonetheless in awe at how dependable the automotive has remained.

Years in the past, we appreciated that the trunk might maintain the double stroller, and that the built-in booster seat allowed us to drive automotive swimming pools with young children. Today, we recognize the third-row flexibility that enables us to suit our skis, snowboards, soccer gear, backpacks, and all the opposite necessities my children want.

I spend quite a lot of time within the automotive driving folks round, and I’m grateful for a automotive I can depend on.

My mother used to say that the very best automotive is one which reliably will get you from level A to level B. I nonetheless agree with this assertion.

I recognize the small security options that I now take without any consideration. From the pc expertise to the warning lights on the mirrors and back-up cameras, the automotive has helped maintain my household protected on quite a few events and helped me keep away from some close to accidents.

The automotive is a part of our household. We’ve taken it on adventures to nationwide parks, ski resorts within the Rockies, and even to an alligator farm. The car has had its share of muddy footwear, sweet wrappers, and canine hair. It additionally has dings from after I backed the automotive into the storage.

The economics do not make sense for a brand new automotive proper now

When my automotive is within the storage, the vendor offers me with a loaner car — a brand-new model of my present car. I get tempted and take into consideration how good it might be to get a brand new automotive. The newest automobiles have extra energy, fewer scratches, are cleaner, and have that new-car scent.

I’ve crunched the numbers. After years of automotive funds, my automotive is now paid off. Each month that goes by with out a automotive fee means extra money towards saving for the longer term. More cash for meals, utilities, saving for faculty, and the occasional splurge. Saving cash now means extra monetary freedom for tomorrow.

Shopping for a brand new automotive is dear. Borrowing cash for automotive funds today prices greater than it did previously. Even yearly car registration prices much less for an older automotive.

A part of me feels proud to maintain driving my older automotive

We reside in a world that tells us that newer is best, that we must always need extra. Though exterior validation of a brand new automotive is sweet, I’m specializing in the inner satisfaction that comes from realizing I’m saving cash by driving an older automotive.

My automotive might not flip heads within the college pick-up line, however I view the scratches and door dings very similar to wrinkles- an indication of a very good life.

I’ll proceed to drive my older automotive, and I’m grateful for a protected and dependable car that has served my household nicely.