Should Your Car Be Considered a Part of the Family?

Many Americans rely on their cars. Without a working vehicle, they would not be able to get to and from work or run errands. Public transportation is not available in all parts of the country, and many people can’t afford to use rideshare services regularly. The vehicle is an essential part of their everyday life.

However, the vehicle may be more than a way for them to get around. It could be a reflection of who they are. For example, a person might buy a used mercedes for sale to show that they have got a job promotion and are making more money. Some people name their cars, while others choose custom license plates. Every person wants to make their car unique.

Drivers often baby their cars. They use premium gas when it isn’t called for and have their oil changed every 3,000 miles, even if the manufacturer says this isn’t necessary. This vehicle may appear in family photos, and a driver may hang on to a car even when it is no longer operational because it saved them when they were in an accident. They consider this vehicle a part of the family.

Why This Attachment?

Most people can understand an individual calling their pet a member of the family. They find it strange when the same individual considers an inanimate object, such as a car, part of the family. Why do people become attached to their vehicles? Furthermore, will they purchase the same type of car in the future?

A Family Member

More than 50% of car owners state their vehicle is part of the family. Surprisingly, an even higher number of drivers say they would keep their current car forever if that were possible. Some say that they want to keep the car forever because they have fond memories of it, and others state they have an emotional attachment to their vehicle, which is why they don’t want to give it up.

Other drivers consider their vehicle a part of the family because it is highly reliable, and they appreciate knowing that they will have transportation. In fact, this was one of the main reasons people say they consider their vehicle part of the family. Forty-five percent also state that they enjoy the gas mileage they get, leading them to keep their current car.

Some individuals keep their car because they feel they can’t afford a new one at this time. Holding on to their current vehicle as long as possible, they believe, will save money over time. For many, a new car payment is simply out of their reach at this time. Their budget won’t allow them to replace their current car, as car prices are high.

Upgrading to a New Make and Model

Although many individuals say they are currently attached to their car, only 34 percent say they will purchase the same make and model when they do upgrade to a new vehicle. Forty-seven percent, in contrast, state they will find a different car to buy when they make a purchase.

Search shows many people consider their family car part of the family. Some people take this a step further and are obsessed with their vehicles. Fortunately, this is a tiny percentage. Every person who has become attached to their car and feels that it is part of the family can now know they are not alone, and this is normal. They can share this attachment with others without shame.