Where I live it's quite the norm to see new cars parading up and down the street as the income level here is quite high, probably one of the highest of any places in the country(fact that it's in the top 60). I've always thought that cars were meant to be kept and ran for a lifetime, but as soon as something new comes out it seems like everyone snatches up the latest and greatest. What's troubling so many to keep a car for more than four years? Income inelasticity. Just the same I think it's sad to see cars come and go like undergarments going through the dirty clothes into the washer and out.