Average US vehicle age hits record 11.5 years

Increased reliability, lingering impact of recession cited as reasons

In this June 24 file photo, afternoon rush our traffic moves along a highway in Phoenix. The average vehicle in the U.S. is now a record 11.5 years old, according to consulting firm IHS Automotive, a sign of the increased reliability of todays vehicles and the lingering impact of the sharp drop in new car sales during the recession. - photo by Associated Press

W Autos Average Age Heal — In this June 24 file photo, afternoon rush our traffic moves along a highway in Phoenix. The average vehicle in the U.S. is now a record 11.5 years old, according to consulting firm IHS Automotive, a sign of the increased reliability of todays vehicles and the lingering impact of the sharp drop in new car sales during the recession. - photo by Associated Press

DETROIT — In the age of Apple's CarPlay, a lot of cars on the road still have tape decks. The average vehicle in the U.S. is now a record 11.5 years old, according to consulting firm IHS Automotive, a sign of the increased reliability of today's vehicles and the lingering impact of the sharp drop in new car sales during the recession. Drivers behind the wheel of older cars aren't enjoying some of the latest advanced safety features or infotainment systems that effectively turn cars into cellphones on wheels.

Associated Press

Associated Press