Even if you take good care of your vehicle, you cannot avoid having to pay for some high-priced repairs. Sometimes, these repairs can be due to excessive wear over time. Rubber belts and hoses dry out and crack, metal on rotors warp or become too thin, and electrical components can stop working altogether. Items such as axle boots, belts, and brake roots will eventually need to be replaced. The timing belt has been a big-ticket repair item for vehicles with high-milage.
Reason to Fix-Up Your Vehicle
Purchasing a new vehicle may not be what you need, for financial or other reasons. Here are some situations where it may be a good idea to just have the repairs done.
- It is nearly always less costly to repair a vehicle than buy a new one.
- Even though something as serious as a blown motor or a failed transmission will cost you around $3,000 to $7,000 to repair at a dealership, these repairs still don not cost as much as buying a new vehicle. That $3,000 or $7,000 would make a nice down payment for a new car, but then you have to handle the monthly payments. You may be able to buy a used vehicle for that price, but just remember that another used vehicle could come with its own set of problems.
- Insurance and registration fees will be higher on a new vehicle.
- A new vehicle usually loses an average of 22% of its value in the first year. Your vehicle has already taken that hit in depreciation.
- You really need the vehicle to last a bit longer. Say you were planning on getting a new vehicle in a year or two, but it broke down earlier than you expected. Repairing it now will help you stay on the road and keep you from making a hasty new vehicle purchase. It will also offer you more time to save up.
- You could have a sentimental attachment to your vehicle. It may have been your first vehicle, a gift from a loved one, or a dream car you finally were able to purchase. To you, buying a new vehicle would mean giving up an old friend. This is not the strongest argument for fixing it up, but it is may apply in your case.
Reasons for Buying a New Vehicle
You promised that you would not put another cent in your old car after your last repair. However, buying a new vehicle seems intimidating. Here are some reasons that buying a new car may be the right choice:
- You do not want to worry about potential breakdowns. Old vehicles can be unpredictable. Repairing a single issue with an older vehicle does not guarantee that another breakdown will not happen with another component or system. If you purchase a new vehicle, its warranty means you will have at least three years before you have to worry about paying for any serious repairs. Even buying a more reliable used vehicle, like a certified pre-owned vehicle, is enough to bring some peace of mind.
- You are tired of the constant visits to the repair shop. Some things do not get fixed the first time, while others often need constant attention. Trips to the mechanic are costing you too much.
- You are tired of your old vehicle. It could be so so beat that it makes you embarrassed. It rattles like crazy, or you have to bang on the A/C to get it working. All these are reasons to move on to another car. Take a look at your budget and make an honest assessment of your financial situation.
- You want a safer car. New vehicles have modern safety equipment. Features like automatic emergency braking, backup cameras, and blind-spot monitoring are increasingly becoming standard on newer cars.
When Should I Buy Another Car?
The following are some situations in which we would suggest that you buy another car:
- The repairs are becoming more frequent, and the costs are difficult to keep up with.
- The vehicle frequently leaves you stranded, placing you in a potentially risky situation, or just making you late to work.
- The repair will cost more than half of what the car is valued.
- You had already planned on getting a new car, but your auto technician informs you of an impending and significant repair on your old vehicle. You should hold off and let the next owner deal with it. Just be honest about it when it comes time to sell.
Extend the Life of Your Car
If you are not quite up to making the tough choice of fixing up or trading in your car, there are some measures you can take to prevent expensive repairs:
- Have your new vehicle maintained at its proper intervals to prevent issues and breakdowns. Use our maintenance guide to learn the recommended service intervals for your car. Maintaining a much older vehicle means paying close attention to issues that commonly lead to breakdowns. We recommend finding a skilled, reliable mechanic as a less costly alternative to a dealership service department.
- If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle and are unsure if things are likely to get worse, look for advice on message boards and forums for the make and model of your car. Other people have likely been experienced similar issues. You can get a preview of the issues associated with your car as it ages.
San Diego Auto Repair Shops
Automobile Repair Shop San Diego is a family-owned and operated business that has been providing the best repair experiences. We will offer you hassle-free auto repairs starting with a precise damage assessment or estimate. We will tow your vehicle for FREE to our shop, organize for a rental car, and work directly with the insurance company to streamline the repair process. We will even pay up to $500 of your deductible. Contact us today to see how we can help.