How to Determine if it’s Time to Replace Your Car: Signs You Should Look Out for

Even though your old car is still reliable and somewhat road-worthy, you probably can’t help but wonder if buying a new (or recently-used) car is worth thinking about and considering. Plenty of people, for instance, would like a second car to augment the first, and the idea of having a second car comes in handy for most of us. But when is it time to buy another vehicle? Even if your present one is still running, it may be time to sell it soon, for instance. So what are the factors that will help you decide once and for all that it’s time to buy a new one? Here’s how to determine if it’s time to replace your car: signs you should look out for.

1. The car no longer has updated equipment

The first reason many car owners choose to have a new (or relatively new) car is this: the vehicle no longer has updated equipment. While there’s nothing truly wrong with your current vehicle – in fact, it’s still as reliable as ever – the truth is that with today’s changing technology, it’s easy for cars not to have updated equipment in just a few years. For example, today’s vehicles’ safety features are very different from yesterday’s vehicles. If your car is older, chances are good that it won’t have an anti-lock braking system, a backup camera, airbags, or a collision warning system – these are good enough reasons to get a newer model, especially if you have young kids.

Aside from this, you may want an upgrade in technological features and capabilities, such as built-in navigation, a USB port, or a Bluetooth connection – which are all essential if you need these for work.

2. The car is no longer a good fit for your lifestyle

The second biggest reason people buy a new car is that their present car is no longer a good fit for their lifestyle. For instance, you may have owned a compact when you were single, but you’re now married with kids and need a larger and stronger model. Or you could have a different job or occupation that warrants an SUV or pickup, or you have moved from the suburbs into the city where your former truck or SUV isn’t a practical choice for narrower streets. Then, of course, there are other changes in lifestyle that gives you a good reason to change your vehicle, and changing it would be more consistent with the life choices you have at the moment.

3. The car frequently breaks down

Now, if your car frequently breaks down or spends too much time undergoing repair, it may be time for an upgrade, as recommended by used car Utah specialists such as Young Automotive. But, unfortunately, it can not only be a hassle but also force you to rely on a car service or rental cars to go to work – and it isn’t practical anymore.

Just think about it – would it make sense to spend 1.5K a year for the repair and maintenance of a car that’s ten years old? But this is ok if this were your only expense – but if you have to think about the cost of renting a car each time your car breaks down, you’re better off replacing it.