Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - June 6, 2026 - Hour 1 - Drive It Longer: The New Economics of Car Ownership

About this episode

Ron Ananian discusses the trend of drivers keeping their vehicles longer and the importance of maintenance in car ownership.

This week on  Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor , Ron takes a closer look at a growing trend across America: drivers are keeping their vehicles longer than ever. With new car prices climbing, repair costs rising, and monthly payments pushing record levels, many motorists are choosing to invest in the vehicles they already own rather than replace them. Ron explains why a cheap oil change may actually cost more in the long run, how regular maintenance has become the key to long-term vehicle ownership, and why today's cars require a different approach than the vehicles of years past. He also shares real-world shop stories, including a battery failure discovered during a routine service visit and a roadside repair adventure involving a high-mileage Toyota Corolla that proves preparation still matters. Plus, Ron helps a caller diagnose a stubborn brake pedal problem on a Chevy Silverado, discusses the pros and cons of buying a low-mileage Chevy Equinox, and highlights an unusual no-start condition on a Jeep Grand Cherokee caused by something as simple as a windshield tint installation. If you're wondering whether to repair, replace, or simply maintain the vehicle in your driveway, this…

People in this episode

Host: Ron Ananian

Topics covered

• car ownership
• vehicle maintenance
• repair costs
• long-term investment
• automotive advice

Keywords

• car ownership
• vehicle maintenance
• repair costs
• oil change
• high-mileage vehicles
• brake pedal problem
• no-start condition

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Chevy Silverado, Chevy Equinox, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Corolla

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