Jan 13, 2025
Army veteran Robert Arthur Kersting, 75, knows how to live frugally. He drives a nearly 30-year-old car — a 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Z34 — that still runs well.
But there’s just one problem. When Kersting took the car for its emissions test, it failed. Worse yet, the part needed to pass the test is no longer available. With no way to repair the car, Kersting is stuck. He can’t afford a new vehicle, and on top of that, he is battling Stage IV pancreatic cancer.
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"I've got a car I love. It runs good; just can't get this part," he said.
A frustrating situation
Kersting's car failed its most recent Illinois emissions inspection, which is required to renew the vehicle’s registration. The Monte Carlo needs a new pump to pass the emissions standards, but after contacting several auto parts stores and a Chevrolet dealership, Kersting was told that the part is no longer manufactured.
Hoping for a solution, Kersting sent a waiver form explaining the situation. He received two emails in response: the first stated his appeal was being reviewed, but the second immediately denied it. When Kersting finally spoke with a representative, she suggested visiting a junkyard to find the part.
Kersting was incredulous. "I'm 75 years old. I'm lucky I get up and move around every day."
Unsurprisingly, the situation has been stressful for him, given his serious illness.
"Here I am, a combat Vietnam veteran, and I can't get any leniency, any compassion," he said.
Following the denial, CBS News Chicago investigated the case. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency explained that to qualify for a repair waiver, a vehicle must fail the emissions test twice. The agency has since reached out to Kersting to try to help him resolve the issue.
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Be careful when buying a used car
Many consumers choose used cars over new ones to save money. But, purchasing an older vehicle can come with risks, particularly if the car’s parts are no longer available to meet updated inspection requirements.
According to S&P Global, the average age of vehicles on U.S. roads was 12.6 years as of mid-2024, up slightly from 2023. This trend can be attributed to many reasons. The pandemic caused a shortage of car parts and chips, slowing vehicle production and driving up prices. Additionally, inflation and rising interest rates have made new car financing less affordable. As a result, more drivers are holding onto older cars or opting for used ones.
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This trend isn’t likely to be short-lived. Todd Campau, aftermarket practice lead at S&P Global Mobility, predicted a 40% increase in six- to 14-year-old vehicles by 2028.
The price gap between new and used cars also continues to widen. By late 2024, the average price difference exceeded $20,000, with used cars averaging $27,177 compared to $47,542 for a new car, according to Edmunds.
The pros and cons of used cars
The appeal of buying a used car is clear: lower purchase prices, smaller loan payments and potentially cheaper insurance premiums. However, there are also significant drawbacks.
For one, used cars may not be as reliable as new ones under warranty. A car that seems fine on the surface could require costly repairs within months of purchase. Certified used cars give you some protection, but they’re still not the same as buying new ones.
Also, older cars often come with higher maintenance and repair costs. And in cases like Kersting’s, finding replacement parts may be a challenge — or impossible. If your vehicle fails an inspection due to unavailable parts, you might end up having to jump through hoops to get it roadworthy again.
To minimize risks, take precautions when buying a used car:
- Check the vehicle’s history using its VIN. Services like CARFAX can provide a record of maintenance and accidents.
- Have the car inspected by a trusted mechanic before handing over any money for it.
- Pay attention to both mileage and age. A well-maintained 12-year-old car may be more reliable than a 20-year-old one, even if both have the same mileage.
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Maurie Backman has been writing professionally for well over a decade. Since becoming a full-time writer, she's produced thousands of articles on topics ranging from Social Security to investing to real estate.
