Many people keep their cars as long as they can. Perhaps they can’t get that type of vehicle anymore, their car has been reliable and never breaks down, or they don’t have to worry about an auto loan payment anymore. Whatever the reason for keeping a vehicle, there are also reasons to get rid of one. If you are noticing any of the following signs, it might be time to buy a new car.
Your car keeps breaking down.
While break downs happen, your car shouldn’t be breaking down constantly. If you’re breaking down every few weeks or months, you might be spending hundreds or thousands of dollars that could be better spent on a down payment for a new or used vehicle. Plus, you want to save yourself the headache of not knowing if you will make it to your destination.
The same issue keeps occurring.
Like constant breakdowns, your car can have a recurring issue. Maybe the heat just keeps going out no matter what the mechanic does. Maybe it’s something with the exhaust, or worse, with the engine. Whatever it is, it might be costing you more money than it’s worth. The problem might be past repair. Look for a new or used car to replace it.
The cost of repairs are more than the car is worth.
If your vehicle is worth $1,500, but you need a $2,500 repair, it’s time to start looking at new or used cars. You don’t want to spend more money on repairs than the vehicle is worth.
Your car isn’t safe.
If your vehicle is breaking down a lot, it could put you at a greater risk for an auto accident. Coming to a sudden stop on the highway or sitting on the side of a busy road are dangerous. Issues, such as leaking fluids, burning smells, or loud noises emitting from your vehicle could also be a sign that your car isn’t safe anymore.
Your vehicle wouldn’t pass an emissions test.
If your vehicle emits too many pollutants into the atmosphere, you can’t drive it anymore. Newer vehicles emit fewer toxic fumes than your old one and upgrading to pass an emissions test will probably cost too much.
People refuse to ride in your car.
Other people may be noticing that you need a new car. If friends, family, or coworkers don’t feel safe in your car or are worried that they won’t get to where they’re going, they might refuse to ride with you. If your vehicle is so bad off that other people notice, it’s time to get a new one.
You can’t get where you need to be.
If you’re constantly late for work, picking up your kids, or getting to appointments because of your car, you could be deemed as an unreliable person. In fact, your car is the unreliable one, but you will be the one who loses credibility.
Your family grows or you lose your job.
If you are driving a small car, but you have a baby on the way, you might need a larger vehicle. You could also need a larger vehicle if you get a travel trailer or boat. Now, you might be concerned that the cost of a larger vehicle won’t fit your budget, but oftentimes you can find a used vehicle that has a price tag you can afford.
On the flipside, you might find that you need to cut costs if you’ve lost your job or your financial situation has changed. That fancy SUV with the insane monthly payments might not be doable anymore. You could sell it and downsize to a used vehicle or even a used SUV that fits your budget. In fact, used vehicle sales have steadily increased over the last seven years, so you wouldn’t be making a bad decision.
If you are noticing one or more of these signs in your vehicle, it’s probably time to find a new one. There are endless vehicle options nowadays, and you shouldn’t be stuck with a car that could be unsafe, a money pit, or impractical for you or your family.
