Expensive car prices, tariffs force some Long Islanders to hold onto older vehicles
Autobody shop owners say they have seen an increase in older cars coming into their shops and people holding on to their current cars longer.
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The high cost of a new car and tariffs on auto parts have Long Islanders holding on to their current cars as long as possible.
For people like Kenny SanPedro, of Holtsville, buying a new car right now is too taxing on his wallet and simply out of reach.
"I can't afford to go out and buy a new car every three to five years," he said.
So, he goes to his auto body shop to keep the car he has in tip-top shape.
"Economic uncertainty that's out there. People get scared, they start to hold on to their money. They make repairs instead of new purchases," said Rich Sayres, owner of Holbrook MTA Auto Service.
Sayres says he's seen an increase in older cars coming into his shop and people holding on to their current cars longer.
Robert Sinclair Jr., with AAA, says right now, car dealers have a 90-day supply of new vehicles, purchased and put on their lots before tariffs on car parts were implemented. But they are not cheap.
"The average new vehicle is upwards of $47,000 to $48,000," said Sinclair.
Car professionals say there are a few things you can do to maintain your current car so it can last as long as possible and not end up breaking down on the side of the road.
According to AAA, it's important to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Drivers should also change their coolant every three to four years and rotate their tires every 7,000 to 8,000 miles.
AAA says it costs Long Islanders about $1,000 a month to maintain a car.
