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Most drivers see a car payment as an unavoidable expense. Not Michael Rusli. Instead of signing up for years of debt, he drives a paid-off, 10-year-old Honda CR-V—and he’s got zero regrets. While others sink $700+ into their monthly car payments, Michael is stacking cash and keeping his financial future wide open. The best part? His CR-V is still running strong, and he’s not alone.

“I had an older Honda CR-V, sold that for a profit, and got another CR-V with that same money,” Michael explained. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” A financial advisor by trade, Michael practices what he preaches—avoiding unnecessary debt and keeping his expenses low. “I’m driving a paid-off ten-year-old car because it costs nothing to run, and who wants a $500 per month car payment?” he added.

Torque News spotted his story and ran the car buying numbers. Michael’s estimate was actually low—according to Bankrate, the average new car payment in 2025 is $737, while a used car still averages $520. Add insurance, taxes, and maintenance, and the true cost of a new car skyrockets. By keeping his CR-V, Michael is avoiding tens of thousands in expenses over the next several years.

But what if you don’t already have a CR-V? Can other drivers pull off the same financial move? The answer is yes—if they pick the right vehicle.

Avoid payments by driving the Honda CR-V and these other long-lived vehicles

According to iSeeCars, the Honda CR-V ranks among the longest-lasting SUVs, with 13.9% of them reaching 250,000 miles—over 1.6 times the industry average. Good choice, Michael! The CR-V is one of the best options for drivers who want a car they can keep for the long haul. But it’s far from the only one.

If you want to avoid a car payment and keep your ride for years, these models are your best bets:

  • Toyota Highlander (12.4% over 250,000 miles) – Spacious, reliable, and built to last.
  • Toyota Tacoma (11.6%) – A midsize truck known for durability.
  • Honda Pilot (10.4%) – Another solid SUV with a history of longevity.
  • Subaru Forester (9.8%) – AWD capability with a long lifespan.

A $500 monthly car payment might not seem like much—until you add it up. Over six years, that’s $36,000, not counting interest, insurance, and taxes. Michael Rusli chose a different path, and he’s saving thousands because of it. With the Honda CR-V ranking among the longest-lasting SUVs, he’s not giving up much—just the debt.

Curious how much you could save? Check out listings for used Honda CR-Vs near you.

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari is a MotorBiscuit Staff Writer who brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Henry covers Ford models daily, including the F-150. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. He’s an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts. Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont.