Has your car been in the shop too many times? Is something still not working? Have you spent too much money and don't know what to do next? its worth getting a quick car valuation of your car before deciding if it's worth the inventment to fix,
Most people consider these two options: repair their cars again or simply replace them.
Some keep throwing money into their car's repairs and hope it doesn't stop working again, while others sell their vehicles and use that cash to buy a new one. However, it's a big decision.
Fortunately, solving this dilemma only requires a little math and expert advice from reputable a car dealer. Here, you can find both things. Read on!
Should You Replace or Repair Your Car?
If you don't know whether you should repair or replace your vehicle, there are several factors you can consider to make the right decision. The value of your care is the main one.
First, you must estimate your car's worth without repairs. If your vehicle is worth $10,000 and the estimated repair is $1,500, you might think it'll bring the value to $11,500.
However, it doesn't always happen. Depending on the type of repair and your car's overall condition, its value may vary.
If you can sell your car shortly after the repair, you might be able to get that money back. In those cases, fixing what affects your vehicle is a good decision.
You only have to ask your mechanic for an estimated repair cost and how much value it will add to your car.
However, if your commuter car has been in the shop too many times and you still need a major repair because a breakdown makes you late for work at least once a week, you should assess how much those repairs really cost you.
When repairs are too expensive, many consider selling their cars. If you have to pay over $4,000 to your mechanic and your car's value is still around $10,000-$11,000, you could use that money to buy a newer, better model.
As mentioned, it is essential to consider several aspects to pick the right choice. Let's learn more about car repairs and replacements.
Are Car Repairs Worth It?
Even if you use your vehicle with the utmost care, costly repairs aren't avoidable. Sometimes, you have to pay a mechanic to fix a problem caused by normal wear and tear.
Metal on rotors often wears too thin or warps, rubber belts dry out and crack, and several electrical parts stop working. That's common for most car owners.
Some items that tend to wear out over time, such as brake rotors, belts, and axle boots, also need regular replacements.
Moreover, depending on the mileage, you may also need to replace some parts, including the timing belt, if you have a high-mileage vehicle. In fact, it should be replaced every 100,000 miles on most cars.
These repairs are regularly necessary and can amount to too high sums.
However, depending on your car's make and model, repairing it instead of buying a new one is often cheaper.
Reasons Why You Should Consider Car Repairs
Buying a new car is not a good idea for other reasons. Essentially, vehicle owners prefer repairs because of the following.
- Insurance and registration fees are usually higher if you have a new car.
- Repairing a car is usually less expensive than buying a new one, even if you must fix something as severe as a failed transmission or blown motor.
- New cars are more susceptible to value depreciation. On average, new vehicles lose around 11% of their value in the first year alone.
- Repairs can help you avoid hasty new car purchases that could have a negative impact on your finances.
- If you repair your car, you can preserve an asset with sentimental value for a few more years, especially if it's your first car or a gift from a loved one.
Is Replacing an Old Car Worth It?
After spending a lot of money on repairs and mechanic bills, you don't want to put another penny into your old car. Don't worry! Buying a new vehicle can also be a good option.
Major repairs can be as expensive as the purchase price of a new vehicle. Why not put that money into your next car? That's a good plan. However, you should consider other aspects.
As mentioned, investing in a new car purchase also means you have to pay for new insurance coverage and registration fees. Therefore, you may need more money than you would have spent repairing your old vehicle.
However, although you may need a higher sum, buying new vehicles also brings some benefits.
Reasons Why You Should Consider Buying a New or Replacement Car
Overall, here are the reasons people prefer to purchase a new car over paying for repairs:
- When you buy a new car, you don't have to worry about future car repairs. Actually, you won't have to go to the repair shop for at least three years or more. Since old cars are unpredictable, a repair doesn't guarantee that you won't face another breakdown.
- Buying a new car doesn't mean you have to purchase the latest model available at a local car dealership. You can purchase a more reliable used car to have peace of mind and save money.
- Old cars can cost too much money and time away from your family or work. However, with a new car, you'll need fewer trips to the repair shop.
- New cars have modern safety equipment and features, such as backup cameras, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Therefore, they're great options to make sure you and your loved ones are safe while on the road.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a New Car?
Still not sure if buying a new car is the best option? Here are some scenarios in which investing your money in another vehicle is the right choice:
- Repairs cost more than half the value of your car.
- Trips to the repair shop are more frequent, and you can't keep up with the costs.
- You often get stranded because your car starts to break down, putting you in hazardous situations or affecting your professional and family life.
- You already had plans to buy a new vehicle.
What to Do When Repairs Cost Too Much?
If you can no longer afford repairs or want to invest that money in a new car, there are also several options to choose from.
Buying a new vehicle under warranty sounds tempting. However, as mentioned, your next car shouldn't be the last model you can get at the nearest car dealership. Let's learn more about it.
New Cars
New car depreciation is inevitable. In five years or less, a car you bought for $20,000 may cost only $8,000. Even in just one year, the value of the car can go down as much as 22%.
Did you save money, or do you have a $1-million net worth? If so, buying a new car can be a good option. However, it isn't the best idea for most people.
Leased Cars
You can also rent a car if you don't have a huge sum to buy a new one. However, it's so expensive. You'll have to make monthly payments that will only cover its depreciation or benefit the leasing business.
Also, you won't own the car once the lease ends. While you have the option to buy it in most cases, dealers set the purchase price at the beginning of the lease. Therefore, at the end of the period, you won't pay the actual value of the vehicle.
Finally, there are the fees. If you lease a car, you must pay different fees, including those required when you exceed a specific number of miles or related to wear and tear.
Also, you'll have to pay fees whether you buy the car or not when the lease is up, which adds up to a sum that you can use for something else.
Used Cars
Undoubtedly, it's the best option: if you don't want to pay for more expensive repairs, buying an affordable used car is one of the best decisions you can make.
With the cash you get from selling your current car and the money you have saved, you can purchase a reliable used vehicle that will give you peace of mind for years. Plus, you won't have to spend a fortune.
When you buy a used car, you don't have to worry about depreciation on a new car or constant repairs to an older vehicle. Therefore, it's the best choice!
Final Thoughts: Is Buying a New Car Better Than Repairing an Older Vehicle?
Most cars require repairs after a few years, but they can affect your finances if they're too frequent and expensive.
If car repairs have become an issue, buying a new car is a great idea. However, that doesn't mean you should pay a fortune for the latest model you find.
A used car can be the perfect solution! It's affordable and reliable. Also, if you choose a trustworthy dealer, you don't have to worry about major repairs.
Call Westside Auto and Buy a Used Car Today!
Do you need help selling your vehicle and buying a new one? Westside Auto can be your best ally! We're the #1 choice for those who need a reliable car dealer. Contact us to learn more about our services!
