Are cars lasting longer than they used to? – new video uploaded to AP Video Hub
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. —
A video featuring Greg Shaver, Purdue University professor of mechanical engineering and director of the Ray W. Herrick Laboratories, has been uploaded to the AP Video Hub. In the video, he explains why people are holding on to their cars longer than they did in the past. This video can be found at https://apvideohub.ap.org/detail/Arecarslastinglongerthantheyusedto/a02fbd29e65645f0b46e3acb76b1df41. All videos in the Campus Insights series are free for download and use by all AP members and can be found at apvideohub.ap.org or by doing a general search on the Associated Press site. AP members may use the video or pull quotes for print articles, broadcasts or podcasts.
Storyline:
Shaver says that cars are more durable and perform better than they did 20 years ago. At the same time, new cars cost around 25 percent more and used cars cost 40 percent more than they did before the COVID-19 pandemic. Shaver believes these factors together have led drivers to hold on to their cars longer. He says conventional vehicles can last up to 13 years if cared for properly. Shaver expects electric cars will not last as long as other vehicles due to wear and tear on the battery. With ongoing challenges in the supply chain and labor markets, he believes that car prices will continue to increase.
More Purdue News
Research uses radar to expose sky’s organized, living habitat
January 15, 2026
Highly ranked: Purdue’s long-standing strengths in co-op and internship opportunities position it among nation’s best
January 15, 2026
Office of Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars partners with Westwood’s Anthony Cawdron for self-guided etiquette course
January 14, 2026
Portable device detects pathogens’ diverse settings
January 13, 2026