Some of us feel extremely sentimental about our cars, especially if we have had them for a long time. Every time we turn on the ignition we are filled with nostalgia about drives we’ve taken and places we’ve visited. Sadly, even with the best upkeep and care cars aren’t built to last forever. They wear out and become impractical to drive as often as we would like. Eventually, there comes a time when we need to replace our beloved older car with something more reliable. Unfortunately, this is difficult for some people to accept and their love for their car often causes them to be in denial. So if you or someone you know needs a reality check, take a look at these tell-tale signs that a new car is something you need.
You’re always breaking down
Older cars are expected to break down and need minor repairs every now and then. But if they are happening every few months, multiple areas of your life can be affected. Firstly it stops you from being able to drive anywhere, which can make it difficult to get to work or see friends. If major repairs such as replacing your exhaust system is needed each time, this can be a big drain on your finances too. If you know your mechanics contact details off by heart, this means you’re seeing them far too much. So get your car looked at to see what other potential issues you may have in future. If they think a lot of expensive repair work is needed to get it working correctly, replacing your car might be a more sensible option.
Your car isn’t fuel efficient anymore
As cars get older, they tend to becomes less energy efficient. This means that your car is using petrol at an alarming rate and needs to be topped up more frequently. It’s no secret that petrol prices can be extortionate, which isn’t ideal if you have to fill up your tank every few days. This adds to the costs of running your car and going to a petrol station continually can be inconvenient and frustrating. Newer cars are designed to be energy efficient, while also being more environmentally friendly. So replacing your older car with something newer can be good for the planet and your bank balance in the long run. Visit Saxton 4×4 or other car dealerships to see just how efficient newer models can be or read reviews online. You might be surprised just how little you have to fill up compared to your current car.
You’re paying more for your insurance
The older your car is, the more expensive it is to get it insured. This is because they are more likely to experiences issues. But also because they don’t have the same level of safety features that newer cars have as standard. Even if you are a model driver with no claims or points on our license, this won’t stop your premiums from increasing. Paying for insurance that continues to increase each year can be difficult for many people. Especially if you are already paying for expensive repairs and petrol. While you could use price comparison sites to try and get a better deal, you won’t necessarily save a great deal. So If you’ve noticed a steady increase in how much you are paying to insure your car, buying a new car could be a good solution.
Your car is becoming unsafe
If you use your car to transport your family or friends, safety should always be a main priority. But if your car is getting old, the safety of your vehicle might be brought into question. Your car may break down in a hazardous location such as on the motorway. If it’s an old model, the interiors such as the headrests and seatbelts might also have started to disintegrate. This can be particularly dangerous if you are involved in a crash as they won’t provide optimal protection. You can pay to have enhanced safety features added to your vehicle, but these can also be expensive to have installed. If you or your family ever feel unsafe when inside your car, an upgrade should be something you consider immediately.
If one or all of these signs sound familiar, replacing your old banger with a newer model is probably the best option. The memories you associate with this car will remain even after your car has been replaced. So take your car out for one last adventure and start searching for a new car that you can create new memories in.
