Richmond is at the center of Central Virginia. The connections between Richmond and surrounding counties influence how residents drive in Richmond. Even if you are near downtown, it is common to cross the river for errands, go down Broad Street for shopping or services, or commute over I 95 or I 64 for work or family in another area of Greater Richmond.

These short, stop and go trips in Richmond, longer trips via highway to the surrounding region, and increasing wear on vehicles explain why so many of us wear out our vehicles so quickly.

Even if you are not commuting, the interstates are designed to funnel traffic into narrow locations where traffic backs up repeatedly, especially around major interchanges like the Bryan Park Interchange. The grid pattern of many streets (Broad, Grace, etc.) contributes to stopping and starting while driving and increases the likelihood that streets will develop potholes near homes.

Additionally, drivers who live in places like the Fan, Church Hill, and parts of North Richmond have to juggle the care of their vehicles between on street parking, access via alleys, and parking on driveways that are often nearly as old as the buildings around them.

If you have a broken down vehicle sitting in your driveway, it can quickly create a problem if it inhibits access to the driveway or begins to attract the attention of your neighbors or property managers.

There are additional things to keep in mind regarding the cost of ownership. Richmond imposes vehicle personal property taxes. Therefore, every year when the tax bill arrives, it could create an opportunity for someone who has an old vehicle that is rarely driven or is in poor condition to be motivated to sell it as opposed to maintaining it and dealing with the costs associated with keeping it on the road and safe for driving.

Furthermore, it is a similar situation to the state law requiring safety inspections to be completed every 12 months, with the inspection results of the vehicle giving the owner a clear point of decision making and forcing them to either choose to put in any necessary repairs to allow them to pass the inspection, or choose to give up and sell the vehicle before investing in more repairs when the vehicle is in poor condition.

The weather can also impact vehicle conditions. Richmond has wet, hot, humid summers and cold winter months that can negatively impact the vehicle’s battery, tires, cooling systems (engine), and others if they sit outside. Heavy rainstorms create additional issues with standing water due to older drainage patterns and low lying streets, which the city addresses through stormwater management. Standing water can cause expensive electrical problems that may manifest later as the vehicle ages.

This is partly why the Richmond area continues to have a healthy supply and demand cycle for both used car sales and cars that are considered end of life. The Richmond area’s strong turnover from the state government, universities, healthcare, as well as constant influx and outflows of individuals between Richmond and surrounding counties contributes to this activity.

Richmond vehicle owners also benefit from the fact that Virginia’s emissions inspection program only applies to specific Northern Virginia localities, so most Richmond residents are not dealing with emissions testing as part of normal registration.