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Denver Drivers Hold On To Older Cars In Recession

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Jan 9, 2009 5:54 pm US/Mountain

Denver Drivers Hold On To Older Cars In Recession

Written by Paul Day
Reporting
Paul Day
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4) ― The shaky economy has resulted in steady business for a local car repair business.

"Dan's real happy about people not buying new cars," says Dan Kaufman, the owner of Absolute Motors.

January is usually the slow time for Dan and his crew, but early 2009 is shaping up differently.

Absolute caters to the owners of older model BMWs.

Instead of trading up, his customers are hanging on to their aging Bimmers.

They rely on the mechanics at this family-owned business to keep their cars going.

"You know it costs a little to maintain a 20-year-old car, but it's worth it," said Absolute customer Todd Giery. His 1989 3 series BMW is not only still running, it's it great shape.

"It's less than a car payment every month," said Giery.

Absolute's understated garage at 2860 South Elati Street in Englewood on Friday was servicing BMWs from the 1980s and 1990s as well as the 2000s.

Rising unemployment could be another reason customers are squeezing more life out of their older cars.

"They may not have the job security they are looking for," said technician Clint Flesher. "So rather than buy a new car, they are going to have to put more money in their existing car."

Kaufman has noticed customers are more particular about the maintenance they get done.

"A lot are doing more Internet research before they bring car in, and they ask more questions," he said.

In general, people are just tighter with a buck during this recession.

Car industry experts says Asian built and American made cars will last just as long as BMWs as long as they're maintained properly.

"If something is starting to break, fix it," advises Amber Kaufman, Absolute's service manager.

She said the key to keeping an old car going is routine oil changes and regularly scheduled maintenance.

Firing up his newly serviced and repaired 3 Series, Todd Giery is ready to roll.

"I'd like to keep this car forever," said Giery, "Honestly I'd like to give this car to my kids some day."

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