Average Vehicle Lifespan in the USA: A State-by-State Analysis

Based on over 65,000 records collected through our nationwide junk car service, we've analyzed the lifespan patterns of vehicles across all 50 states. This comprehensive study reveals fascinating insights about how long Americans keep their cars and the mileage they achieve before recycling.

National Averages

17.1 Years Average Vehicle Age
160,545 Average Final Mileage
2007 Average Model Year

Vehicle Age by State

Average Vehicle Age (Years)
15-16
16-17
17-18
18-19
19+

States with Oldest Vehicles

1 Idaho 19.7 years
2 Montana 19.5 years
3 Wyoming 19.5 years
4 Oregon 19.4 years
5 Washington 19.3 years

States with Highest Final Mileage

1 Minnesota 176,248 miles
2 Kansas 173,176 miles
3 Wisconsin 173,154 miles
4 Oregon 172,925 miles
5 Missouri 171,718 miles

Key Findings

Regional Differences

Northwestern states tend to keep their vehicles longer, with Idaho, Montana, and Oregon showing the highest average vehicle ages.

Mileage Patterns

Midwestern states accumulate the highest mileage before recycling, with Minnesota leading at over 176,000 miles.

Coastal Trends

Coastal states generally show lower vehicle ages, possibly due to environmental factors and higher salt exposure.

Detailed Vehicle Lifespan Resources

Vehicle Make Comparison

Compare average lifespans across different manufacturers, from Toyota to Ford. Find out which brands tend to last longest.

View Manufacturer Data →

Model-Specific Database

Search our comprehensive database of vehicle models to find detailed lifespan data, common issues, and maintenance milestones.

Search Models →

Complete State-by-State Data

State Average Age (Years) Average Mileage Average Model Year
Alabama 17.7 154445 2006.3
Alaska 17.1 117200 2006.9
Arizona 17.3 158639 2006.7
Arkansas 16.6 167874 2007.4
California 17.7 161206 2006.3
Colorado 17.7 168700 2006.3
Connecticut 16.7 164174 2007.3
Delaware 18.0 163877 2006.0
Florida 16.5 148553 2007.5
Georgia 17.3 166103 2006.7
Hawaii 16.5 149587 2007.5
Idaho 19.7 153807 2004.3
Illinois 16.8 154180 2007.2
Indiana 17.3 160700 2006.7
Iowa 17.5 159226 2006.5
Kansas 17.9 173176 2006.1
Kentucky 17.4 163845 2006.6
Louisiana 16.0 152046 2008.0
Maine 15.7 171685 2008.3
Maryland 16.5 161828 2007.5
Massachusetts 16.0 159807 2008.0
Michigan 16.6 163964 2007.4
Minnesota 16.8 176248 2007.2
Mississippi 17.4 156736 2006.6
Missouri 17.3 171718 2006.7
Montana 19.5 150742 2004.5
Nebraska 17.3 153606 2006.7
Nevada 17.7 156051 2006.3
New Hampshire 16.2 153625 2007.8
New Jersey 16.4 153605 2007.6
New Mexico 17.9 155799 2006.1
New York 15.9 145082 2008.1
North Carolina 17.4 170944 2006.6
North Dakota 17.3 169500 2006.7
Ohio 16.4 163527 2007.6
Oklahoma 17.3 161157 2006.7
Oregon 19.4 172925 2004.6
Pennsylvania 16.6 152719 2007.4
Rhode Island 16.2 167652 2007.8
South Carolina 17.4 165495 2006.6
South Dakota 17.3 165120 2006.7
Tennessee 16.9 168346 2007.1
Texas 16.1 155461 2007.9
Utah 18.4 171394 2005.6
Vermont 16.3 166000 2007.7
Virginia 17.3 161657 2006.7
Washington 19.3 167855 2004.7
West Virginia 17.9 166580 2006.1
Wisconsin 17.1 173154 2006.9
Wyoming 19.5 168440 2004.5
Combined Average 17.1 160545 2006.9