If your car is getting older and clocking up the miles, you may start to wonder whether it’s time to get a newer model. Upgrading your car is a big decision, but if the costs and hassles of maintaining your current car are mounting up, it can actually save you money in the long run. Read on for 5 key signs to look out for when deciding if it’s time to upgrade your motor.
1. High Mileage
One of the biggest indicators that your car may need replacing is when it reaches very high mileage. Most cars start to develop issues and require more maintenance above 100,000 miles. While modern cars are built to last longer, anything over 150,000 miles on a petrol car or 200,000 miles on a diesel is generally considered high and a sign to upgrade.
2. Frequent Breakdowns
If your car seems to require repairs every few months for different issues, then it could be a sign of a wider problem. Spending lots on maintenance and repairs for an aging vehicle often reaches a point where it makes more economic sense to upgrade to something more reliable. Frequent breakdowns also lead to costly recovery charges and not being able to get to work.
3. Safety Concerns
Safety standards and technology have advanced a lot in recent years. If your car is over 10 years old, it likely lacks more modern safety features like airbags, ABS, parking sensors, rearview cameras, and more. Upgrading to a newer car can give you much better protection and prevent accidents.
4. Rising Fuel Costs
With fuel prices rising sharply in the UK, running an older, less fuel-efficient car will really start to impact your budget. Upgrading to something more modern with improved MPG will save you money at the pump. Hybrids and electric cars can offer even bigger savings as fuel costs continue to rise.
5. Changing Needs
Finally, your needs from a car can change over time. Upgrading can make sense if you need more space for a growing family, or want something better suited to a new lifestyle change, like an SUV for more hiking trips. Equally, if you no longer need a larger family car, downsizing to a small economical car can also be worthwhile.
How to Sell Your Old Car
Once you’ve decided to upgrade, you’ll need to sell your existing car first. Here are some tips for getting a good price:
- Clean and tidy your car thoroughly inside and out to make a good first impression.
- Get any minor repairs done to fix dents, scratches, faulty bulbs, etc.
- Research prices for your car’s make, model, year and mileage to set a fair asking price.
- Advertise online and in classifieds with good photos and description
- The best place to sell your car if you need a quick sale or want to part-exchange is at a dealer.
- Negotiate politely with prospective buyers and allow test drives.
Keeping an eye on your mileage, repair costs, safety, fuel economy, and changing needs will indicate when it’s the optimal time to upgrade your faithful old motor. A newer car doesn’t have to break the bank either, with good deals available second-hand. So, if you spot multiple signs on this list, it may be time to start car shopping!
