March 20, 2026
When it comes to cars, one of the most common questions Alberta drivers ask is: “How long should I keep my vehicle before trading or selling it?”
The answer isn’t the same for everyone, but there’s a helpful rule that smart car owners use — the 5‑Year Ownership Rule.
At BSPACE Automotive, we’ve seen firsthand how keeping a vehicle for about five years often creates the right balance between reliability, resale value, and cost of ownership. Here’s what that means, why it works, and when breaking the rule might make sense.