Whether drivers take their cars in for tune-ups more often than they need to or they've come up with a cute nickname for their wheels, there's no doubt motorists develop an emotional connection with their vehicles. AutoTrader.com confirmed this sentiment in its recent Automotive Relationship Survey, which set out to determine why people are holding onto their cars longer than ever before.

In 2012, the most recent year for which data is available, the average age of a car on the road was just shy of 11 years, according to Polk data. Many believed the reason for the record high age was that consumers were waiting longer to replace their vehicles due to the recession, but the study shows there are other, more personal factors at play as well.

The survey revealed that 70 percent of respondents felt very or somewhat attached to their current cars, trucks or SUVs. More than 25 percent said they felt sad when they contemplated getting rid of their vehicles. Women tended to forge connections with their cars' appearances more often than men (48 percent of ladies compared to 29 percent of men), while more guys (57 percent) bonded with their wheels over adventures that took place behind the wheel than women (20 percent).

"The emotional attachment people feel for their cars is interesting, but not completely surprising," said Dr. Michelle Callahan, life coach and relationship expert. "In addition to the large financial investment, a car can become a significant emotional investment – it's there with them for major milestones in their lives like weddings, new babies and graduations, and it's literally the vehicle that makes being physically present in these moments possible."

When it does finally come time to say farewell to your beloved ride, you can find a new four-wheeled companion at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealership has a wide selection of makes and models, which will make it easy to discover a new best friend.