For the mathematically averse, that breaks down to a shade over four and a half years. That’s up 15 percent since 2002, according to automotive researcher R.L. Polk and Co. Analysts say that concerns about the economy caused the increase. But that doesn’t mean that we’ve called off our longtime love affair with cars. “Nearly one-third of respondents,” says study coauthor Lonnie Miller, “plan to purchase a vehicle within 12 months.” But expect more to buy used.
