This is a complete mis-read on the situation. Yes, prices are higher and fewer people can afford them. But that has little to do with the growing average age

This is a complete mis-read on the situation. Yes, prices are higher and fewer people can afford them. But that has little to do with the growing average age of vehicles. Cars last longer than they used to. They are better made. People don't send a car to the scrapyard if it still works. They keep it (can't afford a replacement) or sell it (can afford a replacement). Both scenarios have the exact same effect on the measurement of the average age of vehicles on the road.