Does keeping an old car running "benefit" the environment ?

[mrbigstuff]

...more so than buying a new or newer model?

I'm always trying to parse what it means to be eco-correct and this is a topic I ponder often. Can anyone point to a thoughtful analysis on the benefits in terms of pounds of carbon and dollars involved in keeping older cars, or appliances (or computers!) working vs. the higher energy efficiency of newer items vs. the cost of disposal and landfills?

It is not an easy analysis, so I would be happy to read something that shows even one small item for the sake of comparison. the thread about the 16/600 got me thinking, since that is quite the power hog (and I have one of those, too).

[jdc]

define "old"?

[Black Landlord]

It's all relative.
If sticking with the old car prevents a new car from being built, then maybe.
If you are likely to drive less by sticking to the old one, maybe.
If saving the money on the new purchase allows you to take a lower paying job closer to home (bike or even walking distance) then maybe.

[Carthaigh]

Oh so NOW you care about the environment Mr. Bigstuff?

[incognegro]

do the old cars just go into a landfill?

[voodoopenguin]

My 54 year old car does about 40mpg, that's about 32 US mpg. It has no clever electronics and virtually no plastic so when it finally heads for that old scrap heap in the sky most of it can be easily recycled although I guess that a lot will be passed on to keep similar old cars going a bit longer. I'd say that was better than buying new and scrapping after a few years. It isn't for long distance but I use it for the journeys that are a bit too far to walk or cycle.

Not sure what the eco value is in the friendly smiles I get when I drive it but I'm sure it does people good.

[DaviDC.]

I saw on the news that this has been a boom time for mechanics, cobblers, tailors, & such. A lot of that stuff that was made to be disposable is trying to be repaired.

[kap]

Is my Honda Accord hatchback 1987 old?

[Racer X]

yeah, but you could scrap my '69 Buick GS350 and make 2 or 3 of your Hondas.

[kap]

LOL Racer X