Unfortunately, even the sturdiest of vehicles eventually come to their end. At some point, keeping your used car won’t be safe or financially sound, and it’ll be time to bid your goodbyes to your beloved vehicle. Here are 5 signs it’s time to say goodbye to your old car and buy yourself a new one!
1. You’ve reached the end of your car’s life
Remember that the average lifespan of a car is about 12 years, and it’s unlikely yours will last much past that. If you’re noticing strange rattling noises when you drive, or if you’ve had to put in several expensive repairs in a short amount of time, then it may be time to consider buying a new vehicle.
2. Being in an accident is a major risk
Even if you’ve never been in a car accident before, the signs will be noticeable. Your car’s body will begin to show up significant wear and tear, and any repairs you’ve done afterward may not hold up against the damage. Spending more than $1000+ on repairs every year might be a sign your vehicle runs you into debt and isn’t worth keeping.
3. You can’t afford to maintain it
Despite any car’s ability to help you get from one place to another, the likelihood of maintaining one without putting money in is slim. Despite your best intentions, there are probably things that are being neglected that could speed up or slow down the aging process of your vehicle. If you don’t have enough funds for basic maintenance, then it’s time to see what else is out there.
4. It doesn’t fit your lifestyle anymore
When considering whether it’s time for a new vehicle, you’ll want to assess your lifestyle and see what type of car would best suit it. For example, if you’re considering starting a family, then you’ll need something roomier with extra protection. Or, if you’re moving further away from your work which will require you to commute for longer periods of time, then you’ll need to get a car with better fuel efficiency.
5. Parts are harder to find
Parts are only made for some vehicles for a certain period of time, and once that time is up, you’ll no longer be able to find them readily. When this happens, your mechanic will have to make the part instead of using a new one which is obviously more expensive. If you can’t find the parts you need easily on the internet or in-store fronts, it’s definitely time for a new vehicle.
These are all common signs that can help guide your decision, but if you’re still not sure, then it’s always best to talk to your trusted mechanic. They will be able to give you sound advice on what you should do, and in most cases, can even recommend the best vehicle suited to your needs.
