Contrary to what you may have been led to believe, it’s not advisable to keep a car on for too long. Our over all aim in this article is to show you why.

People are mostly told to drive their rides to the ground so they can get the most out of it— makes sense, right? After all you had to stomp up some cash to buy it.

Problem is, every vehicle has a limit beyond which it becomes impractical and financially unwise to continue to maintain it.

But how do you know when your car has gone beyond saving? Here are some red flags that indicate you should start shopping for a new ride.

1. Repairs Cost More Than the Car is Worth

Repair costs incurred from vehicular accidents can rack up a lot. When the total bills for a major repair exceeds the present worth of the car, it's the writing on the wall— you should let go.

As a rule of thumb, before making any repair, ask yourself if the car is worth the cost. If you've to second guess or the answer is a straight flat "no", then you know you start looking for a feasible replacement.

2. Frequent Breakdowns

Another indication that you should let your car go are recurring issues like faulty exhaust systems, broken air conditioning, radiator problems, transmission malfunctions, and other common car engine problems.

While these repairs may not be expensive, experiencing more than two episodes in a year can be a clear indication it's time for an upgrade.

More so, who wants to keep a car that's most likely to break down without a warning?

If you consider the overall cost of all the repairs plus the additional cost of towing the car in one year, you'll be better off with a new ride.

3. You're Spending More on Gas

The car manufacturing industry has improved exponentially and there's been a massive leap in terms of functionality between the newly released cars and the ones manufactured ten years back. Not only are recent releases functionally better, they burn fuel more efficiently too.  

All the little trips taken to the gas station adds up to more than a little. When you run the numbers on your total fuel consumption, you'll be surprised at how much money you're paying for the fuel each year. The perfect solution is to shop for something more fuel-efficient.

4. Spare Parts Are No Longer Available

We understand that it may be difficult to let go of your car, especially if she’s been through the trying times with you. However, except you intend to ground it, the car would become expensive to keep on the road sooner or later.

This is because finding spare parts for older model cars is difficult and expensive. If you happen to need anything replaced, you may find yourself paying more than you normally would.

5. Life Changes

The perfectly sized car when you were just starting your life, hunting for a job, and still single may simply not work when you start a family. Your current lifestyle may require you have more car space—if you want the hockey and gym equipment to fit in it.

As these life changes occur with time, you may need to make vehicular changes to accommodate them.

Conclusion

By now you already know if you want to hang on to your present car or it’s time to break up the relationship. Save yourself the time and trouble associated with keeping a vehicle that’s gone past its years.

When shopping for a new car, carefully pay attention to the car history— if you're buying a second-hand car. A thorough car inspection is also crucial to avoid making a mistake. You can learn more about things to look out for when buying a car here (link to “5things you should know before buying a used car”)

Looking to sell your car? Cars of LA is your one-stop shop. Let’s offer you swift service as well as a fair price.  

Want to make more inquiries? Our support team is always available to help you. Contact us today!

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