We understand how hard it is to let go of your old vehicle. Your car has been there for you for years, so it’s only natural that you’ve formed a strong bond with it. Whether it’s your attachment to your ride or your fear of spending the hard-earned pounds you’ve saved in these difficult economic times, you should know when it’s time to move on.
Today, we’ll look at the signs that indicate whether you should buy a new or slightly used car. Older cars break down more frequently and the costs of repairs can go up significantly as a result.
If you believe it is time to purchase a new vehicle, our partner ‘carsnip’ can assist you. Additionally, when considering a new car, visiting a trusted dealership like the Plattsburgh Honda dealer can offer valuable insights and options tailored to your needs.
8 Signs you need to buy a new car
Your vehicle breakdowns more frequently
Cars have a tendency to break down from time to time, especially if they are old. Common reasons for the breakdown of the vehicles are
- Dead Battery
- Clutch cables that are damaged
- Running out of Engine oil
The above three problems occur mostly and they can be fixed by the mechanic in most of the cases. But if these reasons prolong for a long time, then its time to buy a new car.
Because replacing the major car parts are expensive and consulting with the mechanic also time-consuming. Think about your car’s brake down over the past months are the repair cost will be cheaper than buying a new car. The total cost of repair over a period can exceed the cost of buying a new car.
Your car requires constant refuelling
If you constantly notice the refuelling and decrease in your car’s acceleration and power, then its time to change the fuel pump. Newer cars tend to be more fuel-efficient than older models. If your car’s fuel efficiency isn’t what it used to be, and you find yourself visiting the petrol pump increasingly frequently, it could indicate that you need a new vehicle.
Insurance premiums continue to rise
Your insurance provider may start to view your car as a greater liability as a result of your car getting older, thus increasing the premium you will pay to insure your car.If your car is old and its cost keeps increasing (including the amount spent on repairs, the insurance premium you have to pay, and the amount spent on constant refuelling), it might be time to trade in your car for a new one so you won’t have to worry about these costs ever again. So, you should compare car insurance cost lets you make your own choice with clear decision.
Your friends and family do not want a ride with you
An old, rusted out vehicle is not pleasing to both the passengers and the onlookers. While you may not feel your ride looks unappealing while parked in your driveway or traveling on the road, people do notice its nastiness. Do you want to know what other people think about your “rust bucket”? Offer your friends and family a ride and find them turning it down every time. It is a sign they feel embraced going out with you, so buy a car that they love to ask you for a drive.
Repairs cost more than your vehicle’s worth
Although an old car is not awful to own, the one that costs you more in repairs than its worth is indeed a bad omen. If you have to pay £2,000 to fix your vehicle and it is only worth £1,000, do you think it is wise to keep it? It is also a key reason why insurance firms write off a vehicle after a major accident. Know everything about written-off cars here. A good rule of thumb is to argue with yourself whether the repairs you are going to make will give you a decent return on your investment or not. If ‘not’, you know what to do.
An old car may also do not perform well in the MOT and pop up many red flags in the test. While we can help you with car services, you should know that we cannot do anything if your vehicle is too old to pass the environmental emissions test. An added insult to injury, some old cars are not even permitted to take this examination. Still, do not hesitate to check our car service online to select an appropriate MOT centre close to your location.
Your car no longer feels safe
When a car continuously breaks down then it will feel unreliable to drive, those cars are highly dangerous when driving on a highway. Also, one may feel unsafe if the basic safety features missing. But these basic safety features are offered by the modern cars like
- Airbags
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear view cameras
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Aid with safety exits
It no longer fits your lifestyle
Moving away from your job, expanding your family, needing more boot space for your job, or requiring less space in your car if someone moves out are all examples of lifestyle changes that may prompt you to consider purchasing another vehicle.
Old cars could be unsafe to drive
While you can maintain your old car to allow it to deliver excellent performance and comfort, your vehicle cannot possess the new advanced safety technologies on its own. From new safety facilities, we mean the electronic stability control, rear-view cameras, new crumple zones, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision alert, more airbags, etc.
More advanced features include Driver Assistance Systems such as Active Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Adaptive Headlights, Automatic High-Beam Headlights, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Automatic Emergency Steering, Lane-Departure Warning, Lane-Keep Assist, Lane Centering, Night Vision, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Surround-View Camera, and so on.
The good news is all these safety techs are now part of suites offered by different automakers. For instance, Ford packages its high-tech safety features under Co-Pilot 360 Suite, while Honda and Toyota are offering Honda Sensing and Toyota Safety Sense.
