It has driven you through thick and thin, even going the extra mile when the fuel light blinks at you in disbelief. However, there comes a time where you will have to make the difficult decision and part ways with your car. If you are not sure if it is time to say your goodbyes, these are the 3 signs that definitely will swerve you in the right direction.
It’s too expensive to maintain
Owning your car should be a give and give type of relationship. However, when you find yourself giving more of your finances to a car that burns a hole in your budget it is time to let go. One of the expenses that car owners tend to overlook when buying a car are the ongoing costs.
There is a wide range of expenses that you have to foot when it comes to the repair and maintenance budget of the car. The purchase may have been a match made in dealership heaven, but this can quickly turn into hell if it needs specialised parts or parts that need to be replaced on a constant basis. Woe onto your budget when every 6,000 Km brings a myriad of problems.
It is unpredictable
You may try and love your old jalopy, but as it ages you realise that more issues pop up. Not only does it sound like you have a drummer stuck under your bonnet, but there are other strange sounds that your car makes that it shouldn’t be making. If it is so beat to the point where people can hear the rattles before they see you, it is definitely time.
Having a car that is unpredictable will not only inconvenience you when you need it the most, but it can be a safety hazard that can end up costing you more. According to a report by AAA, car accidents are costing Aussies $29.7 billion each year. Furthermore, 30% of accidents are caused by a car running off the road. If this sounds like something your car would do to you, it’s time to let it go.
New car, new you
There are times when no matter how hard you try things just doesn’t work out. Finding a new car can have a lot of benefits. Not only do new cars come with better safety features, but it can also be an opportunity to find a car that comes with a better fuel economy, maintenance, and repair costs. However, it is important to compare to find the best value for your money.
Take it out for a test drive, have a checklist of all the must-have features you want, and check its safety ratings on ANCAP. The same goes for your car finance options. Carefully consider a car loan; its interest rate, features, fees, and charges. Although it may be hard to part ways with a car that you have come to understand, your wallet will thank you for the upgrade.