Signs It’s Time To Buy A New Car
Some people will hold onto their car forever. And those people should be applauded. Studies show that the longer people drive their cars without payments, the further ahead they are financially. Everyone knows someone driving an extremely old car with more than 300,000 miles on it. However, eventually, even the sturdiest vehicles wear out and it becomes impractical to keep them running. At some point, common sense needs to kick in and motorists need to accept that it is time for them to purchase another car—whether a brand-new one or a slightly used vehicle. Here are a few signs it’s time to buy a new car.
Your Car is Breaking Down Often
The occasional breakdown is normal. After a while, every car will have issues that need to be repaired. However, if your car is breaking down every few months, then your car is no longer a reliable vehicle. You don’t want to deal with another breakdown when driving on the freeway or on a time crunch. You shouldn’t be paying thousands of dollars all the time just to repair your vehicle. Keep yourself safe and just buy a new car!
Your Car Won’t Pass Emission Tests
Emission standards for cars have been rising for years because you don’t want your car to put out too many pollutants into the air. Older vehicles tend to put out more pollutants than newer cars and if your vehicle isn’t passing the emission tests, then it is time to invest in a new car. You might have to buy very expensive parts to reduce the amount of pollutants put out by an older vehicle. Take care of the environment and save yourself money by getting a new car if you ever find yourself in this position.
The Repairs Your Car Needs Cost More Than It’s Worth
If your car needs an expensive repair, you might want to consider buying a new car instead of fixing your old one, especially if it is older. If the repair costs more than your car is worth, we would recommend investing in a new car because older cars break more often and there is a good chance it will break again. Not only will a new vehicle save you money, but it will keep you safe! Your safety is our #1 priority!
You’re Spending More Time at the Gas Pump
The older the car, the less fuel efficient it will be. Each year, a new crop of cars comes out. Each one is a little more fuel efficient than the previous year’s models. If you’re driving a car you bought in the early or mid-1990s, chances are you’re spending a lot more time at the gas station than your neighbor who’s driving a 2015 Toyota Prius gas-electric hybrid. And while you might not be making payments on your car any longer, all those trips to the gas pumps add up in terms of costs to operate the vehicle. It depends on how many miles you drive a week. But if you find yourself at a gas station more than two times each week, then you’re spending too much money on gas and should consider upgrading to a vehicle built in this decade.
Safety is Becoming an Issue
No matter how well-maintained your car is, eventually, it will become unsafe to operate. Not only will the car become unreliable, but older cars do not have many of the advanced safety features found in newer model cars. We’re talking here about things such as side airbags, electronic stability control, rearview cameras, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision alert. While it can be argued that many of these advanced safety features are optional and not necessary, it can also be argued that a car that is so old the muffler falls off should not be driven at all. If you, or the passengers in your car, have a general feeling of uneasiness when in your vehicle, then it is time for an upgrade.
Drive Safe With C&G Auto
Are these signs it’s time to buy a new car speaking to you? Maybe it’s time to switch out for that newer model you’ve been eyeing. And if you have car trouble in the future, C&G Auto is here to help. Even if you’re not yet due for routine tire maintenance, getting your tires checked can save your vehicle from unsafe handling and poor performance. Contact us and/or check out more about how we can help you at C&G Auto and Truck.