10 signs you need a new car
10 signs you need a new car
Everyone loves a new car.
But how can you tell when it’s the right time to buy?
Many drivers look for a new vehicle when their current car spends more time at the garage than on their own driveway. Others invest in a new vehicle to improve the mileage they get for their money because, in the current climate, fuel economy is a key consideration.
Recognising the signs that it’s time to replace your vehicle can have significant benefits for your budget. Upgrading sooner minimises maintenance costs, avoids increasing inefficiency and goes a long way to protecting the resale value of your current vehicle.
We’ve taken a look at the top ten signs that you may need a new car, to help you to decide whether now is the right time for an upgrade.
Some of the signs you may need a new car
1. Frequent breakdowns or repairs:
If you find yourself paying out for frequent costly car repairs, or if you’re breaking down more than you’d like, chances are it’s time for a new car. Flat batteries and worn tyres are a headache, but replacing expensive parts like engines, exhausts, and radiators is a different matter entirely, with repairs running into the hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds.
Worrying about your car will take the fun out of any trip. So for peace of mind, economy and safety, when a vehicle begins to have serious problems, a new car can help avoid significant cost and stress in the long term.
2. High mileage:
High mileage is one of the most common reasons drivers look for a new car. Once a vehicle passes 75,000 miles on the clock, it has a far greater risk of breaking down - inevitably at the least convenient moment.
At the 100,000 mile mark, you’re potentially facing issues with the engine, transmission, suspension and steering, and it may well be time to invest in a new car – especially if you haven’t consistently maintained your service schedule.
3. Expensive maintenance:
Occasional repairs may well feel manageable but it's important to consider the frequency of issues affecting your car. As costs accumulate, they may well exceed the cost price of buying a new car.
If your vehicle has hit that crucial tipping point, limiting costs and hassle by buying a new car now may prove to be the better choice in the long term.
4. Safety concerns:
Driving a car that’s at high risk of breaking down poses significant safety risks for you and for other people on the road.
New cars on the market come with a wealth of safety features as standard including side airbags, electronic stability control, lane assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
5. Poor mileage to the gallon:
We all like to get value for money. So, if you’re regularly refuelling your vehicle and costs are adding up, it’s probably time to upgrade your vehicle. Modern car options include energy and money-saving electric vehicles that significantly reduce fuel costs and offer improved performance and reduced carbon emissions.
If your car is inefficient, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a newer model. Your new car’s monthly payments may even equal what you’re paying for fuel now. And you’ll receive all the other benefits of having a brand-new car on your driveway at the same time.
6. Lack of technology:
Newer vehicles come equipped with cutting-edge technology as standard - think Bluetooth connectivity, charging ports for every passenger, voice recognition, smartphone integration, and parking cameras.
Most importantly, modern vehicles include automated safety features and advanced driver assistance, such as self-parking and traffic jam assist, making driving less stressful and reducing driver fatigue.
If you’re seeking the latest in comfort, convenience and safety measures, now may be the right time to consider an upgrade.
7. Changes in lifestyle or family size:
If you’ve recently had a change in lifestyle such as welcoming a new family member, you may well need more space in your vehicle. A new car can provide both extra room and stronger safety features, like rear-seat airbags, to better protect your family.
Perhaps you’ve reached the point in life where you can upgrade to the car you’ve always dreamed of. A new vehicle gives you the chance to reward yourself with a touch of luxury.
8. Rust or corrosion:
Visible evidence of rust and corrosion is a serious sign that you should consider buying a new car. If problems run deep, your vehicle may be structurally unsound and no longer safe to drive.
Rust occurs when iron in the car body interacts with water and oxygen and corrosion is caused when metal comes into contact with air or chemicals. Both significantly weaken the structural integrity of your car over time. While minor rust or corrosion can be rectified, extensive damage may require costly repairs that, in some cases, exceed the value of the vehicle. It’s also worth bearing in mind that visible rust will negatively impact the resale value of your car, so it’s advisable to sell sooner rather than later.
9. Age:
The age of a vehicle can be a compelling reason to consider buying a new car. Over time, wear and tear leads to mechanical issues and safety concerns. Parts increasingly require replacement, meaning your car’s performance begins to suffer.
If your car is more than ten years old, it’s likely to be approaching a point where problems become more frequent and costly to repair. Purchasing a new vehicle now might well save on costs in the future.
10. Resale value:
Over time, the resale value of a car naturally decreases for multiple reasons including wear and tear, mileage, and the availability of newer models with more advanced features.
As a vehicle ages, decreasing value can combine with rising maintenance costs to the point that repair charges exceed the value of the car itself. To make matters worse, risk to a potential buyer increases as time goes on, making older vehicles increasingly difficult to sell.
Planning for this moment in a vehicle’s lifespan can go a long way towards avoiding unnecessary costs. What’s more, upgrading up to a newer vehicle can bring multiple benefits, not least in minimising costs, worry and inconvenience.
In summary
Our ten key signs that you may need a new car share a common theme: waiting for an upgrade is not necessarily the best approach. Increasing costs, outdated safety features and plummeting resale costs suggest that acting sooner rather than later will prove better for you and better for your budget.
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