I'm not immune, after all

In Acton and Hedonic Adjustment have both recently posted about how easily it is to be consumed by the desire for a shiny new automobile. I’ve had my Civic six years this month, and I’ve realized that I’m now in dangerous territory insofar as that desire is concerned. From my experience, my relationship with a car goes something like this:

1-2 years: The car still seems brand spanking new to me. I’m thrilled.
3 years: I feel like I’m just beginning to know my car, and the idea of giving it up so soon seems ridiculous.
4-5 years: I’m still pleased with the car, and feel smug about hanging on to it when other folks are trading up every few years.
6 years: My car is now noticeably older than others on the road. It begins to feel a tad shabby, especially when it goes a while without being washed. I see new models and fantasize about them; instead, I pay for a detailed cleaning.
7-9 years: I wonder whether I should have the car painted to freshen things up, and ultimately decide not to. I no longer consider having minor (or major) dents and dings repaired.

And 9 years is the longest I’ve owned a car, which was the Sundance RS my parents bought for me my senior year of high school. When I finally sold it to a friend, the paint had oxidized, it was missing the left front body panel and the headliner was sagging—-in other words, it was a perfect candidate for an appearance on How to be Poor.

Now, my Honda is still in quite good shape. There are a few dings here and there, but after a car wash it looks pretty darn good, and mechanically it’s in wonderful condition. Then why, why am I looking at cars like Cooper Minis and Saab 93 convertibles and thinking it would be nice to be driving one of them instead?

I actually do know what's happening here, but it will do me good to hear it from someone else. Words of wisdom and encouragement, please.