The decision of how long to keep a vehicle is dependent on a number of factors: the reliability of the vehicle, how much you enjoy driving it, and how often you prefer to upgrade to take advantage of new advances in safety and technology.

As part of the Cartelligent service we often help clients get a great value for a trade-in vehicle or return a leased vehicle. We took a look at our internal data to see how long, on average, our clients were holding on to various brands.

5. Lexus (Average 6.8 years)

Lexus is known for their reliability and high resale value, but also has a reputation for offering the latest in safety and technology. We found Lexus clients tend to upgrade after 6.8 years with 28% keeping the vehicle for over 10 years and 49% replacing it in under 5 years.

4. Toyota (Average 7.0 years)

Toyotas consistently top the charts for best resale value so it’s not a surprise to see owners hold onto them. Toyota owners average 7.0 years before turing in their car, with 27% keeping the vehicle for over 10 years and 44% replacing it in under 5 years.

3. Honda (Average 7.1 years)

Hondas are affordable, reliable cars that tend to be driven for a number of years. Honda clients replace them after an average of 7.1 years with 27% keeping the vehicle for over 10 years and 43% replacing it in under 5 years.

2. Subaru (Average 8.3 years)

Subaru is another brand renowned for safety and reliability. Subaru clients average 8.3 years before turning the vehicle in, with 42% keeping the vehicle for over 10 years and 34% replacing it in under 5 years.

1. Volvo (Average 9.0 years)

Volvo’s relentless focus on safety and reliability helps the brand top this list. Volvo clients tend to upgrade after 9.0 years with 48% keeping the vehicle for over 10 years and 22% replacing it in under 5 years.

We also looked at which vehicles our clients tend to upgrade more frequently. These brands are often heavily leased by clients who prefer the benefits of having a lower monthly payment and the most recent advances in safety and technology.

5. BMW (Average 6.2 years)

BMW incentivizes brand-enthusiasts to upgrade often with its innovations in safety and technology, as well as style. BMW clients average 6.2 years before turning in the vehicle, with 23% keeping the vehicle for over 10 years and 54% replacing it in under 5 years.

4. Acura (Average 6.1 years)

Acura’s are known for offering a strong value for a luxury vehicle. Acura clients upgrade after 6.1 years with 23% keeping the vehicle for over 10 years and 55% replacing it in under 5 years.

3. Mercedes-Benz (Average 5.6 years)

Like BMW, Mercedes-Benz makes it attractive to own the latest model. New releases offer technology and safety features that make drivers want to update their vehicle. Mercedes-Benz clients hold their vehicle an average of 5.6 years with 19% keeping the vehicle for over 10 years and 62% replacing it in under 5 years.

2. Audi (Average 5.1 years)

Audi enthusiasts love the blend of style and technology the brand offers and upgrade regularly to keep up with the latest trends. Audi clients chose to upgrade after 5.1 years with 16% keeping the vehicle for over 10 years and 65% replacing it in under 5 years.

1. MINI (Average 4.9 years)

MINI is a fun, sporty car for single professionals, but not necessarily one that will work once marriage and children are on the horizon. MINI clients averaged 4.9 years before turning the vehicle in, with 12% keeping the vehicle for over 10 years and 73% replacing it in under 5 years.

No matter how long you plan to keep your new vehicle, Cartelligent can help you get a great deal on exactly what you want. Call our team of car-buying experts at 888-427-4270 or get started today.