Feb 04, 2026

Question of the Day: What is the average age of a car on the road today?

Let's just say the average car has certainly lost that new car smell. 

Answer: 12.8 years

A line of cars on a dealership lot.

 

Questions:

  • What do you think goes into the decision to purchase a new car when you have a car that is working ok?
  • As cars age, what would you expect to happen with their maintenance costs?
  • What are the factors that you think determine the longevity of a car (i.e., how long a car can stay on the road)?
  • What are the pros/cons of owning the same car for 12+ years?

Click here for the ready-to-go slides for this Question of the Day that you can use in your classroom.

 

Behind the numbers (Bureau of Transportation Statistics): 

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Looking for more vehicle related resources? Check out NGPF's Buying a Car mini-unit!

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About the Author

Dave Martin

Dave joins NGPF with 15 years of teaching experience in math and computer science. After joining the New York City Teaching Fellows program and earning a Master's degree in Education from Pace University, his teaching career has taken him to New York, New Jersey and a summer in the north of Ghana. Dave firmly believes that financial literacy is vital to creating well-rounded students that are prepared for a complex and highly competitive world. During what free time two young daughters will allow, Dave enjoys video games, Dungeons & Dragons, cooking, gardening, and taking naps.

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