I happen to listen to ATP, a tech podcast of which Casey is a co-host.

I believe his family owns 2 cars, but had to replace one of them recently when a pebble caused a freak accident, essentially totaling the engine in one of the cars. Hence 3 cars purchased in 10 years.

Edit: Episode #592, at the very end: https://overcast.fm/+ABQnv4mYCFc/1:40:38

The average car in the US is about 13 years old. Just like with phones, some people upgrade every few years even though it's a poor financial decision. Many frugal or less wealthy people only buy used cars and drive them until they die.

In the USA at least, you seem to either be in the "buy/lease new, trade in every 3-5 years" camp, or "buy it and drive it until the wheels fall off."

If you do the first, you end up not being out a terrible amount of money, especially these days with the high value of used.