I get that but that becomes a national policy issue; better to promote the general welfare via working stuff longer or more towards the new? Balance. And the economic decision, 'cheaper to take on new car payment' is misleading because there is MUCH behind that; national economic policy, special interests and so forth. It's not a 'hey! It is straightforward cheaper to buy new than fix old!" We tend to MAKE it this way or that due to behind the scenes interests that may well not be in the national interest nor in terms of promoting the general welfare. Policy will encourage one direction, new, and discourage another, maintenance and repair. We don't replace the washer or the dryer or the heat pump, water heater, TV, every 2-3 years. Folks hope to get at least 10 if not more years out of a major appliances. We can certainly make it so keeping a car in good shape for 10 plus years is economical. I mean, imagine the mining we WON'T do if a car and truck was kept in good shape for, say, 15 years or even 20. So, there is the environment issue as well.
New car folks want to sell new cars.
Miners want to mine.
Steel makers want to make steel.
But, at what overall cost including what is lost in terms of quality of life for we, the people?
