How this 90-year-old woman kept her car running for over 500,000 miles for free
- This woman and her beloved car had been together for four decades
- She used lifetime warranties to keep the car in pristine condition
- She even kept records of all the important milestones
Published on Nov 11, 2024 at 8:00 AM (UTC+4)
by Nalin Rawat
Last updated on Nov 08, 2024 at 9:07 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
If you think you’re frugal, then meet this 90-year-old woman who kept her car running for over 500,000 miles with lifetime warranties at no extra cost.
Meet Rachel Veitch and her chariot – a 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente – who were together for 43 years.
Their relationship had lasted longer than any of Rachel’s three husbands.
Together, they had both also traveled over 567,000 miles across the nation.
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This 90-year-old woman bought lifetime warranties for her car
Rachel Veitch bought her beloved 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente for $3,289.
“$3,289. All deluxe; power steering, auto, air conditioning,” she told Growing Bolder.
This unusual love story began an astounding 43 years ago when Rachel bought the Chariot.
She also knew early on that she would like to keep the Chariot for a long time.
So, she bought parts with lifetime warranties whenever it was possible.
As the one and only owner of the car, she had also put over 567,000 miles on Chariot’s original engine.
How did she keep her car in pristine condition?
“The 6,000-mile checkup cost $13. That wouldn’t buy a gasket now,” Rachel joked.
She also kept a record of every milestone, every birthday, and every checkup.
The 90-year-old had also properly maintained her classic car over the years, thanks to her lifetime warranties and timely servicing.
“This is the 5th Midas muffler with lifetime guarantee. I’ve had 7,” Rachel said as she displayed her catalog of warranties.
“This is the shocks warranty from Sears. I’ve had three. This is the lifetime guarantee battery from Penney’s. “Penney’s still pays for it but Firestone puts it in. I’ve had 16 free batteries,” she added.
Unfortunately, Rachel passed away on May 11, 2017, at the age of 98.
Although she had plans to give the car to Jay Leno, her car is now on display at the Wisconsin Museum.
Nalin started his career by working with various national newspapers in India. He has also worked as a writer/editor for many popular websites, while still pursuing his journalism and mass communication degree. Working as a digital nomad has allowed him to inform and educate through his work. When he is not writing, you can find him playing video games or travelling the mountains on his bike.
