Buying a new vehicle can be a hassle. Going to a dealership, talking to sales reps, and determining your budget are all part of the new car experience. Yet, there comes a point when you must replace your old car. To ensure you’re ready to go through the process, consider these signs it’s time to buy yourself a new car.
You’re Constantly Spending More Than It’s Worth
There’s a common understanding that once you drive a car off the lot, it loses value. While this is true, every car—even off the lot—has a standard market price. Kelly Blue Book, Cars.com, and other automotive information service sites even list your vehicle’s worth based on its year, make, model, and mileage. For this reason, do not spend more than your vehicle is worth. If you find you’re spending money on constant repairs, gas fill-ups, insurance premiums, or replacements, then it’s time to replace it. While making some repairs and improvements can raise your car’s worth, it’s not a good idea to continually spend money on it. This is especially true if you’re not going to see a high return on investment.
The Exterior and Interior Are Falling Apart
Sometimes big repairs are too much of a hassle to fix. Unless you feel truly connected to your vehicle, don’t waste your time and money on repairs that will only slightly improve its drivability. Similarly, if you total your car, then the best thing to do is get rid of it. It’s likely getting back to a stable driving condition will be impossible. Furthermore, interior repairs are equally important. It’s possible that your engine, radiator, or other parts could malfunction without improvement. In this case, do yourself a favor and get a new vehicle.
Trips to the Mechanic Are a Frequent Activity
This is especially true for older cars. Smaller repairs and maintenance are no reason to replace your ride, but it is if you’re doing it often. Going to the mechanic regularly is a bad sign for your car’s longevity. Additionally, a big sign it is time to replace your car is if it continuously fails emissions tests. Older cars do not have the proper built-in environmental technologies for their emission fumes. In fact, the government restricts some older vehicles from taking an emissions test, so it’s better to just trade it in.
You Have an Outdated Car
You may have an outdated vehicle, even if it’s “newer.” Manufacturers routinely updated cars and trucks with the best modules and features to make your vehicle as efficient as possible. For example, the differences between the 2018 and 2019 Ford trucks are noticeable, with changes in the torque, suspension, exterior, and interior. Naturally, older vehicles do not offer the same electronic devices found inside modern vehicles. Modern cars boast start/stop engine buttons, digital dashboards that allow for smartphone connectivity, and even electric-gas hybrid engines. On the other hand, traditional cars rely on gasoline and a basic clock-radio dashboard. Not to mention, new cars and trucks have updated parts for the most optimal road and work performance. For those interested in new technologies or better drivability, a new model is going to perform better than an old one.
