It’s easy to get attached to a car, but eventually, you have to say goodbye and upgrade to a newer model. If you’re not sure if it’s the right time, look for these four signs.
At a certain point, keeping your old car will cost you more than buying a new one. Replacing the AC condenser on a 2000 Toyota Camry usually costs between $600 and $750. Assuming the car is in good condition, it’s probably worth between $543 and $1,360, according to Kelley Blue Book.
You have to wonder whether it’s worth spending $400 on a car that’s potentially only valued at $543. That’s when many people decide it’s time to upgrade to a new car.
Fuel efficiency has improved significantly over the last several decades. In 1975, you could expect your car to get about 13.1 miles per gallon. By 2000, most cars could drive at least 19.8 miles on a gallon of gas. In 2013, the average vehicles got 24 mpg.
If you’re driving a car that’s a decade old, then you already know you’re spending more money than necessary on gasoline.
Unfortunately, cars also become less efficient as they age. The casual wear and tear of daily driving will eventually knock a couple mpg off its original rating. Keeping the vehicle properly maintained helps, but eventually, all cars start to lose their efficiency.
You’ve taken your car to three mechanics, and none of them have the slightest idea of what’s wrong. You’ve pored over every Car Talk podcast, but not even Click and Clack have mentioned a problem like yours.
You have, in other words, an unidentifiable problem that no one knows how to fix. Your favorite mechanic has some ideas, but he or she is not willing to make any promises.
Of course, fixing this unknown problem comes with an unknown price. You won’t know how much it costs to fix until your mechanic can decide what’s wrong with the car.
At this point, you need to walk away. The car is possibly unsafe to drive and it’s unlikely that you can get it fixed.
The things you need from a car change with your family. When you’re young, you probably want a fun car. It may not have many seats, but it’s a joy to drive. Once you start to settle down, though, you suddenly realize why so many parents drive SUVs.
If your family is growing, then you may want a 4Runner, Highlander, or Land Cruiser that can accommodate many kids, not to mention their toys and sports equipment.
Then again, if your kids recently bought their own cars, you don’t need a big SUV anymore. You might want to think about downsizing to a smaller car with better fuel efficiency.
Today’s cars are loaded with new technologies that make driving safer and more comfortable. If you have faced any of these four problems, you’ll want to start looking for a new model that’s right for you.
Image via Toyota.com
