How to Handle a Car That Has Been Used for 15 Years?
2 Answers
Here are the methods for handling a car that has been used for 15 years: 1. Mandatory scrapping of the car: From certain perspectives, this has some rationality. First, there are safety requirements. After a car has been used for a certain number of years and traveled a certain distance, factors such as wear and tear may affect the safety of the car. Another factor is that in the early stages of the automotive industry's development, appropriate and necessary mandatory updates were beneficial for the growth of the automotive industry. 2. The new version of the "Mandatory Scrapping Standards for Motor Vehicles" stipulates: (1) Non-operational small, micro passenger cars and large cars will no longer have a 15-year limit but will be scrapped based on mileage. Vehicles that reach 600,000 kilometers will be "guided to scrap." If a private car is well-maintained and has not reached 600,000 kilometers after 15 years, it can still continue to be driven. (2) Vehicles that do not undergo annual inspections for three consecutive inspection cycles after the expiration of the inspection period or fail the annual inspection for three consecutive cycles and thus do not obtain the motor vehicle inspection qualification mark should be mandatorily scrapped. (3) The inspection cycle for motor vehicles will also vary depending on the model and condition of the vehicle. Typically, small private cars require inspection every 2 years within the first 6 years, every year from 6 to 15 years, and every half year after 15 years.
Driving a 15-year-old car, I find it most cost-effective to continue maintaining it based on experience. As the car ages, parts deteriorate, and the engine or transmission may develop issues, but regular maintenance can extend its lifespan. I recommend a thorough inspection at the repair shop annually, including oil changes, brake fluid replacement, and spark plug replacement, with a focus on checking the chassis and suspension system to prevent corrosion. Don’t compromise on safety—replace tires when needed and ensure the braking system remains reliable. Passing the annual inspection is a major checkpoint, indicating the car is still in decent condition. Crunch the numbers: annual repair costs amount to a few thousand, saving tens of thousands compared to buying a new car, plus it’s eco-friendly and avoids waste. In the used car market, a 15-year-old vehicle has low value, possibly selling for only 20,000 to 30,000, so it’s better to keep driving it. As long as there are no major breakdowns and diligent maintenance is upheld, it can easily last another five years—remember, maintenance takes priority over replacement.
