Letting Go of Sentiment and Assessing When It’s Time to Sell Your Old Car
Sometimes we get so attached to a car we’ve been driving for years that it is difficult to let go and upgrade to a newer model. However, when you see tell-tale signs like the following, you may want to reconsider your decision to keep driving your current vehicle until it falls apart.
Here are a few points to consider.
Unreliability
You should be able to rely on your car to always start and drive correctly and safely. Don’t you get upset when you go out to start the car, but the battery won’t turn over?
You have to find time to go buy a battery and have it installed, and they are not lightweight. If the starter gives out, the repair may require an auto shop appointment that can take longer and cost more.
So you could end up having to rent a car temporarily or get rides from family or friends. Being unsure about when your aging vehicle will start or how well it will run can be stressful.
Frequent Repairs
Even if you don’t experience major problems with your vehicle, or if you are able to fix them yourself, older cars tend to start having a series of minor repairs.
Flat tires, burnt-out tail lights, and a hole in the tailpipe are just the tip of the iceberg. While many car owners can fix these problems themselves or have the repairs done promptly, there is still an inconvenience and cost factor to keep in mind. Once in awhile is no big deal.
But when repairs start to be needed every couple of months, you start wondering if a new car payment would be cheaper and more convenient.
Expensive Operating Costs
Older vehicles are often subject to operating costs that add to their upkeep. Depending on the type of vehicle, you may be required to test the emissions every couple of years before you can renew your registration.
As the car begins to deteriorate, you will need to buy new mats and repair underbody wear and tear as well as scratches and chips.
You might need to keep more repair supplies in your trunk than you would with a newer car.
Unsightly Appearance
A vehicle with a hundred thousand miles may start to show its age. You can keep it washed and waxed, but it could begin to wear out and look beat up.
If you are ready for a newer vehicle, park your car in the driveway and put up a windshield sign or go online and search for companies who are looking to “buy my junk car“. Then use the sale proceeds as a down payment on a later-model car.
Used cars are great until they’re not. If yours is starting to chip away at your road security, think about selling it and buying something newer.
Category: Car Purchase
