Americans cars are getting older. Last fall the average car was about 5.2 years old. Today it is over 6 years old. We are holding onto our cars longer. The purchase of a new car is being delayed as the economy works its way out of this recession. Yet keeping a car longer means we could be facing more mechanical problems. To help with that and knowing we'll eventually sell that baby, here are Ten Tips on Owning an Older Car.

(You can also WATCH LOUISE discuss these tips on a recent visit to NE Cable News.)

1) MANUALLY PROFICIENT
Yeah, it's not as exciting as reading a Dan Brown novel or even the back of a cereal box, and you won't be quizzed on it, but information like maintenance schedules, little tricks and what things do is vital. And because it is not a page turner, here's a suggestion,....READ MORE