There are certain times during a car’s life that you may need to consider a new one because it is costing you way too much to keep. There are a number of signs that you may need to start researching another car and whether you buy new or used, it’s an investment worth having.
Signs you need a new car
Buying a new car is an exciting time as you start researching which car you could go for next. No matter the age of the car, there is always a time that you need to move on - especially if it is costing you a lot more than the car is worth:
You spend a lot of time refuelling your car
Many people will prioritise fuel economy when they purchase a car, but over time, fuel efficiency can deplete significantly. Manufacturers produce new vehicles every year and with every new model comes more efficiency. If your car is a lot older, there is a chance you are spending a lot of time at the petrol pump than those who have a newer hybrid car. Over time, these constant trips to the pump will start adding up and could end up costing you a lot of money. Of course, all of this depends on how many miles you drive a day, particularly those who commute long distances to work. If you take more than two trips a week to the petrol station, then it’s time to move on to a more fuel efficient car.
Your car is no longer safe
Whilst experiencing a breakdown is a lot of drivers’ worst nightmares, we would hope that it would never happen. However, if your car breaks down multiple times and has the tendency to do so on particularly dangerous roads (like the motorway), then you have a problem. This means that the car is unreliable and could land you in a really dangerous situation. If you’re driving an older car, it could even be missing certain safety features that are typically found in a more modern car; automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane departure warning and safety exit assist. If you don’t have these features you may want to invest in another car.
Your car no longer fits into your lifestyle
When you first start driving, you may opt for a smaller car whilst you’re still getting used to the roads and driving on your own. However there are many times in your life where you may need to consider changing your car; your family has expanded and you need more space, you’ve moved further away from your job and need a car that can aid in the commute or you need more boot space for luggage and cargo. Equally, you may have a larger vehicle that you need to downsize if someone in the household has moved out. Sometimes, you may just want something new to drive. However your lifestyle changes, a change in car may be necessary to help you navigate it.
Your car constantly needs repairing and looks old
We’ve all been there - one thing goes wrong and then there’s a seemingly endless list of things that go wrong all at the same time. However, if you are finding components on your car are constantly breaking and need repairing, this may be a sign that you need to move on and invest in a car that is more reliable. Some of the most common reasons people breakdown include running out of engine oil, flat batteries and damage to the clutch cables. Whilst in most cases these issues can be fixed easily at a garage, if they happen all the time and after you’ve just replaced or fixed the part in question, then it’s a good sign that you need another car. Replacing parts in a car doesn't come cheap and regular fixes can burn a hole through your pocket, even if they seem cheaper at the time.
As your car ages, noticeable wear and tear or damage will start to appear both inside and out. Whilst most wear and tear isn’t an issue and just looks unsightly, some can be serious and cause major issues further down the line - like rusting. Whilst it’s important to keep on top of maintenance for safety’s sake, it is also good to do so for the aesthetic appeal and resale value too.
You’ve noticed your insurance creeping up
As your car gets older, the more likely it is that your insurance premiums start increasing - this is because your car becomes a liability in their eyes, with a higher risk of breakdown and repair. This, coupled with increasing costs of repairs and money spent on refuelling means that you may be in the market for a new car.
Your car’s mileage is very high
As you travel around, your mileage is going to keep increasing. Most drivers average around 10,000 miles a year, but this depends entirely on how much the car is used. At around 75,000 miles, the risk of your car breaking down increases and you may notice that you need more important, expensive things replacing - like the timing belt, which can cause catastrophic damage to the engine should it snap. At 100,000 miles, your car will be causing even more problems. At that point, it’s time to consider investing in another vehicle.
The car no longer meets emissions standards
The UK requires all vehicles to adhere to the Euro 6 emissions standards set by the European Parliament and Commission. This dictates whether or not your car produces the maximum level of CO2 that allows them to be on the road. If your car fails that emissions test or you cannot reduce your car’s emission to meet this standard, then you need to buy another car. With the introduction of electric cars, these emissions standards are getting tougher and tougher.
Buy a new or used car with Swansway today
There are many good reasons to change your car, especially if you have owned yours for a substantial amount of time. If you’re looking to invest in a new car to help you take on your lifestyle, take a look at our huge range of new and used vehicles that offer a range of features and benefits and can take you the extra mile. If you’re worried about cost, we have a range of finance options and new car offers to get you started. If you’re unsure what you're looking for or would like more information about one of the vehicles you see on our website, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our team and we’d be happy to help you.