This. It's not only reliability at high mileage, but also as they age. Driving a 2012 and a 2014, both seem to still be 100% mechanically and electrically sound

This. It's not only reliability at high mileage, but also as they age. Driving a 2012 and a 2014, both seem to still be 100% mechanically and electrically sound without any major repairs, with only minor body dings that are more related to parking lot negligence than engineering. Totally reliable, no major body issues, nothing. In the past, I've never had any other car go more than 8 years without a major repair, some annoying series of endless minor repairs, or the development of annoying behaviors. Things have changed. I can afford a new car, but any car buying on my part is being delayed by these cars being effectively free (with insurance, license and fuel costs, yes) at a point while car prices are high. It's also being delayed by the knowledge that if mainstream cars can be this trouble-free with typical maintenance, I'll need to choose my next car(s) carefully, since I like to buy my cars outright, and will be effectively stuck with it for over a decade, so it has to be something I like much more than these old ones.