Do people really not keep their cars that long?

The reason I ask is because my grandma (who has a pretty old car, a 1999 Ford Taurus) says that most cars on the road aren't that old and that most people get a new car every four years. I'm about to get my first car and when I told her I was thinking about getting a used car (like a Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, or Toyota Camry) and I told her it would be about 12 years old or so she said that was too old and that it would start breaking down. What's wrong with getting a car that old? Some people tell me a reason for her view is because she always mainly owned American cars and isn't really aware of the reliability of companies like Honda and Toyota. However, I know that any Accord, Altima, or Camry is going to last longer than a Taurus.

The reason I ask is because my grandma (who has a pretty old car, a 1999 Ford Taurus) says that most cars on the road aren't that old and that most people get a new car every four years. I'm about to get my first car and when I told her I was thinking about getting a used car (like a Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, or Toyota Camry) and I told her it would be about 12 years old or so she said that was too old and that it would start breaking down. What's wrong with getting a car that old? Some people tell me a reason for her view is because she always mainly owned American cars and isn't really aware of the reliability of companies like Honda and Toyota. However, I know that any Accord, Altima, or Camry is going to last longer than a Taurus. Japanese cars might be more reliable but 12 years old is pretty old for a car and that's generally around the time that cars become a bit more of a hassle. You could buy one and it could last you a few years, on the flip side it could go in a few months. I'd definitely look at something newer just to be on the safe side, personally my limit is ~8 years old Miles are more important than the age of a vehicle. I know people who put over 100 thousand miles in a year. My pickup is seven years old and only has 50 thousand. Most people drive more than ten thousand in a year. 120 thousand plus miles is reaching the limit that I would feel comfortable buying a used car.

Miles are more important than the age of a vehicle. I know people who put over 100 thousand miles in a year. My pickup is seven years old and only has 50 thousand. Most people drive more than ten thousand in a year. 120 thousand plus miles is reaching the limit that I would feel comfortable buying a used car.