Unfortunately, cars do not last forever. Most cars will last for about 11 years on average. However, thanks to advancements in technology, many cars manufactured today will easily make it to the 200,000-mile mark. Regardless of when you purchased your vehicle, you need to be aware of the signs it is on its last legs.
- Repairs Cost More Than the Value of the Car
Most insurers will consider a vehicle to be totaled when the cost of a certain repair is more than the overall value of the car. For example, if the used value of your car in the condition it is in is only $1,000 and repairing the engine would cost $2,000, then it is totaled. You are better off getting a new car because it will be a better use of your money in the long run.
- Insurance Continues To Increase
As your vehicle gets older, it will become more expensive to insure. This is normal to an extent. However, after a few years, you may want to think about whether you could get a better insurance rate by buying a new car. In addition to the insurance expenses, you also want to think about the cost of gas. Cars become less fuel efficient over time, so if you find yourself going to the pump more often, then it may be time for a new vehicle.
- The Vehicle Cannot Pass Emissions Tests
Your vehicle requires an emissions test once every two years. Without a passing score, you will be unable to legally take your vehicle anywhere on the road. This tends to happen with older cars. You will absolutely need to get a new vehicle or else you could find yourself in legal trouble. Without passing the test, you cannot renew registration. The police can pull you over at this point and issue you a ticket. At this point, the car is more of a burden than it is worth.
- Safety Is a Major Issue
At a certain point, every car will become completely inoperable. That is why you need to keep an eye on certain components. For instance, in the event your muffler falls off, then you need to replace it immediately. When enough things go wrong, you may develop a sense of uneasiness every time you get behind the wheel. When you do not feel safe in your own car, you need to upgrade.
- Repairs Occur All the Time
It may not seem like that big of a deal to repair or replace a muffler as long as that is the only major thing you have to do to your car that year. However, if major components fail within a short period of time, then you have some serious problems. When a car breaks down at least twice in one year, that is a bad sign it is not going to last much longer. It is time to get a new car when the exhaust system, radiator and engine all fail close to one another.
- The Interior Becomes Uncomfortable
You should feel comfortable inside your own car. Even if everything seems to function properly, you need to be aware of how well the interior holds up. When the fabric on the seats starts to pull off and the windows are cracked, it is probably time to upgrade. You do not want the act of stepping inside a car to feel like a hassle.
- Your Family and Friends Tell You It Is Time To Get a New Car
When your vehicle is on its last legs, your loved ones will have no problem telling you it is time to buy something new. In some cases, a car can get so bad that your friends and family will not want to be seen in it. It is important to take their advice into consideration. You may be so used to how your car drives and looks that you do not even realize how bad it has gotten.
You want to get the most out of your vehicle. As long as you take care of it and properly maintain it, you can reasonably assume it will last well over a decade. However, there are plenty of fantastic cars out there when you need something better.
