Simple Signs You Need A New Car

You could buy your very first car, name it, add stickers and personalize it, only to find out that it doesn’t actually last forever. Most people buy their first car imagining years and years of use, but it’s not always the case. Cars were never designed to last forever, but they are designed to last you as long as they can before you need to replace parts or replace the entire car at last. There comes a time, though, where every car has to go to the junkyard and go out to pasture. It’s an exciting and sad thing to do, to get rid of a car, but it’s important that you recognise the signs that your car is ready to die a death!

You may not be thinking that you need a brand new car all over again, but there are plenty of used options that are out there that may be good for your budget. It’s never nice to think about your car being replaced, but before you start consigning your current car to the scrap heap, let’s talk through some of the signs to look out for that you really do need a new or used car!

You’re Breaking Down

Well, not you, but the car! Your car should be roadworthy and that often means without constant breakdowns. You should be on the road more than you are in the auto shop, but if your car keeps running down and needing repairs, it may be more cost-effective to stop repairing it and just replace it. You want to spend your free time out on the road or doing things that you want to do, not standing in the repairs shop waiting for a new set of tyres or a new carburetor. You should always have insurance to cover repairs, but when these breakdowns and repairs are beyond your insurance, there’s a big problem.

The Interior Is Shredding

Have you got leather interiors in your car? You may have noticed that over time, the leather has shredded down and the interior is less than attractive. The interior also fades out over time due to sun damage, and the flooring inside the car can be covered in sticky stains, debris and dirt. A shabby interior is usually enough to reupholster, clean out and vacuum, but it can go too far and be irreparable. Over the years, you can’t keep affording the interior being ripped out and replaced, and that’s where you get a brand new car.

You’re Embarrassed

As much as you love your car, you hate being seen with it. A huge sign it’s time to get a new one is that you want to hide your face in shame wherever you are in public with your car. Your friends and family don’t want to get in, either, because the inside is so damaged and unsightly. If you look at an auto finance calculator and find you can get finance for a new car, it’s time to look into it. You need to feel pride in the car you drive as much as you do the house you are living in, so get a new car you are happy to be seen with and dispel the embarrassment!

It’s a Failure

From the MOT to the emissions test, your car fails time after time. A new car is something to be proud of because it’s going to pass all of the tests and be roadworthy no matter what. It’s not safe to drive in a car that fails it’s tests for roadworthiness and you could be the cause of an accident – not to mention that it’s illegal. You can get your car through its MOT and emissions tests, and then you can sell it safely and legally before buying a new car.

It’s Not Filling Up

The biggest sign that you need a car upgrade is in how long you spend trying to fill it up at the gas station. The older cars are going to be far less fuel efficient than the newer cars, and the longer you are driving a car, the lower the fuel efficiency goes over time. It happens a natural part of the car’s life, but that doesn’t mean that you have to stand around and wait. Choose a car that has a better efficiency next time and you’ll be able to be on the road a little longer.

Your Insurance Costs Are Climbing

A car that is costing you more to keep it is not a good investment. Older cars are often easy pickings for an insurance company, and old cars are seen as easy to charge on the premiums. If your car is breaking down a lot, then it’s time to see whether you need a new one purely to avoid higher insurance costs.

You Feel Unsafe

You should be confident on the road – or you shouldn’t be on the road. Your car is supposed to be reliable, and if you are figuring out that your car is not one to rely on, then you are going to need a better car, or you need to stop driving entirely. This isnt always a practical idea, though, so don’t let your safety and the safety of others be a concern.

You’ve Exceeded Value In Repairs

You spent $1,000 on repairs in the past two months and you’ve just realized that what you paid for the car is now LESS than what you paid in repairs. That is a car with a negative value, and you need a better one to ensure that you are getting your money’s worth. No one should be paying more to repair their car than they paid for the car in the first place.

You Just Want One!

Lastly, the biggest sign you should get a new car is that you want one. Perhaps the family is growing or you want something smaller – it doesn’t matter why, you just want a new car!