What part of the country would one find the oldest cars still in daily use?

Question

I am planning to open a franchise business that specializes in specific types of automobile repair. There are a number of territories in the U.S. still available. What specific areas of the country or cities might ifind the highest percentage of older cars still on the road (assuming that these would be the cars requiring the most frequent repair services)?

Answer 1

I would try Arizona.The dry climate is kind to cars, and there are many classics on he road.

Answer 2

Cars last longer in areas that are dry, and have relatively mild temperature changes. The southwest region of the US (California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas) fit the bill reasonably well, and this is where the car shows really take off...

But do these classics really need the most work? Not on your life. They are lovingly maintained by their owners, who tend to lovingly maintain any other cars they own as well. If you're looking for auto repair, go someplace humid, with a lot of salt. The northwest, where they salt the ice off the roads, the coasts, and Hawaii are your ticket. Hawaii especially has crappy cars, and some major reasons that repair shops can make bank: Military.

Military bases employ large numbers of sailors, marines, army, and airforce personnel, many of whom drive to work. To get their cars onto military property, they must have a valid license, registration, safety check, etc... but military personnel also go on deployment for long periods of time.

While fighting in foreign countries, it is easy for these soldiers, sailors, and airmen to miss registration, and they will then need to get their cars re-registered, re-safety inspected, etc. Any damage to the car's lights, mirrors, and what smog-prevention equippment they use will need to be repaired.

Due to the physical isolation of the island, repair parts take longer to arrive, and a well stocked shop can charge major coin for having the right mirrors, lights, and oxygen sensors on hand to get these vehicles ready for the returning troops.

Moreover, despite all efforts, military troops tend to be a little reckless in their driving, and hawaii is rather lax in enforcing traffic laws, so minor accidents are pretty common.

Similar miltary towns can be found by any Navy Base (San Diego, Norfolk, etc. where the salt air rusts car parts up pretty quick, and re-registration forces safety repairs to be more common.

Answer 3

When you say "the country" I assume you are talking about the USA -- (actually you are not specific about that) If you are talking about the USA - look to the Southwest -- tendency to warmer and drier air will not lend itself as quickly to corrosion of sheet metal and rubber parts. Your next most likely spot is the southeast.. The northeast, and the high mountainous regions are less likely locations because over the years the changing weather, the humidity, road salt and sand - will have taken their toll on the cars.

Answer 4

Take a look at any town in Montana. They have this goofy rule on registering a vehicle. A new car costs $600+ to register and it gets cheaper as the car gets older. Many people prefer to keep the old cars running to avoid this high tax.

Answer 5

No rust problem in San Diego unless they live within 3 blocks of the ocean... real estate is thru the roof, too much competition, and Mexico next door does everything cheaper...

If you can find out the amount of vehicles listed in AutoTrader mags in perticuler cities and such might help...

Answer 6

Nantucket Island, MA...I've seen some that look like1936 Packards.

Answer 7

California is big on antique car dealers.