Charles, I believe you have ID'ed the biggest culprit, at least in the USA.

I have two cars and a truck (many kids) and all together, the three vehicles have well over 400,000 miles on them. But all are well maintained and in good shape. It's just that none of them is new, or anywhere near it. I save a small fortune that way.

And, BTW, I NEVER buy a new car or truck, as in NEVER and NOT NO WAY NOR NOHOW! Waste of my hard-earned Yankee dollars.

Still, I can drive down the street a few miles to the nearest apartment complex and see the lot full of very expensive, shiny new automobiles, most of which are owned by people who claim they can't afford to go on a modest vacation.

My $0.02.

Good topic, Mick.