People seriously impressed by 90-year-old woman who kept her car running for over 500,000 miles for free
She described it as a 'joy' ride
We all like getting our money's worth, and when it comes to cars, they don't make them like they used to.
Nowadays, we're lured in by supposedly bulletproof Teslas that dip in value as soon as you get them off the forecourt.
The average car warranty also runs out in the blink of an eye, meaning our wheels tend to conveniently fall apart as soon as the warranty runs out.
Not for one savvy driver, with one woman keeping her car in pristine condition - even after running for over 500,000 miles.
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The specifics vary based on make and model, but you're advised to think about scrapping your car once it hits 100,000 miles (150,000 miles if it's diesel).
Given that the average yearly car milage is anywhere between 5,000 and 10,000 miles, it means that a decade of hammering could see your car destined for the scrapheap.
Not if you're Rachel Veitch, who along with her 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente called Chariot, enjoyed over four decades years together.
Veitch travelled over 567,000 miles with her trusty wheels, and better yet, the car's upkeep cost her virtually nothing.
Keeping things fresh with a clever loophole, Veitch told Growing Bolder how she bought the 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente for $3,289, boasting power steering, auto, and air conditioning.
By buying parts with a lifetime warranty wherever possible, Veitch was able to keep on trucking.
She told the outlet: "The 6,000-mile checkup cost $13. That wouldn’t buy a gasket now."
To pull off this amazing feat, Rachel kept a log of every milestone and every checkup.
She added: "This is the 5th Midas muffler with lifetime guarantee. I’ve had 7."
"This is the shocks warranty from Sears. I’ve had three. This is the lifetime guarantee battery from Penney’s.
Penney’s still pays for it but Firestone puts it in. I’ve had 16 free batteries."
She clearly had a passion for her car, standing by mechanics and often teaching them how to handle this retro vehicle.
In a follow-up video, Growing Bolder revisited Rachel after she hung up her keys following a medical emergency. Then aged 93, she was looking for a new owner that could give Chariot the home it deserved.
As for what she felt having to give up her love of driving, Veitch admitted: "I think I was prepared. I never shed a tear I haven't felt sorry for myself." Still, she said saying goodbye to the car was sadder than saying goodbye to any of her three husbands.
Veitch had planned to give the car to car collector Jay Leno, but sadly, she passed away in 2018. These days, her legacy lives on through her car, which is on display at the Wisconsin Museum.