While it doesn't play into some of the ideas here, and probably not for the OP, but I have tended to want the wife to be in a dependable vehicle, just in case. Thus, we've traded fairly frequently and usually for new or one year old vehicles. I'm willing to be stranded in a broke down vehicle, but I don't want her in that position.
Also, we have tended to stick with major U.S. brands. You know, the kind that has a dealership even in relatively small towns. Many moons ago, we had a guy break down in our small town, and he wailed like crazy because no one in our small town worked on Volkswagon Beetles. He had to rent a room and order parts to be delivered 18 miles away by Greyhound bus, and fix it himself.
Also, we have tended to stick with major U.S. brands. You know, the kind that has a dealership even in relatively small towns. Many moons ago, we had a guy break down in our small town, and he wailed like crazy because no one in our small town worked on Volkswagon Beetles. He had to rent a room and order parts to be delivered 18 miles away by Greyhound bus, and fix it himself.