Everyone loves the feel of driving around in a new (to them) car. But when we have to buy a car because our old one died, we can feel a little resentment. When you’re ready to get your next car, it should be on your terms-not because you have no choice. Don’t let this happen to you.
As long as you maintain your current vehicle and don’t ignore warning signs, you should be able to drive it until you’re ready to trade it in. But sometimes your car throws up red flags telling you it may be time to go ahead and make a move. When is it time to get a new car? Read on to find out.
- Your Latest Repair Bill Cost More Than Your Car is Worth
The best time to shop for a new car is when you can’t afford your current one. If your car has a book value of $2200, or no book value at all, and your latest repair is $2500, it’s time. If your car has a low value already, you’ll never get a return on your money if you trade it or sell it. Because a reputable used car dealership will offer a combination of competitive financing and affordable vehicles, that $2500 can go a long way. - Your Car is a Money Pit
An older vehicle will have the occasional breakdown, so having repairs done once in a while is just part of the deal. But even small, less expensive repairs can add up before you know it and you end up spending way more than you can afford. If you’ve had to pay for several repairs over the last year or two, it may be time to start driving something different. - Your Friends Always Drive
We’ve all heard it from friends and family before, “Should I get a new car?” Here’s the honest truth. If your friends seem to be a bit embarrassed to ride in your car, they may have good reason. When your car no longer looks any different when you clean it or your neighbors can hear your transmission all the way down the street, you’ve got a clunker. Your friends probably won’t tell you, so we will-yes, it is time to get a new car. - Your Visiting the Gas Pump Way Too Much
This one is pretty simple. Newer vehicles are fuel-efficient, use alternative fuels, and are usually pretty aerodynamic. Older vehicles aren’t. The older your car, the worse fuel economy you can expect. And it’s not just because of the older technology. Things wear out, hoses tear, and fuel pumps become inefficient over time, so be prepared to spend more money on fuel the longer you own your vehicle. - Your Car Won’t Pass Emissions
How much more time are you going to spend under the hood, trying to get those dashboard warning lights to go off so you can pass inspection? You can either bite the bullet and pay for costly diagnostics, repairs, and upgrades to get your car inspection-ready, or you can start looking for another car. Either way, it’s going to cost something, so you might as well invest in a newer used car that’s road-ready. - You Can Only Drive in Certain Kinds of Weather
Do you cross your fingers before you start your car in winter? When your car just won’t start on cold mornings or overheats as soon as spring arrives, your car may be on its last miles. Old cars that can’t handle temperature changes like they used to could need repairs for many things, ranging from a new battery to a radiator and hoses. If you require a weather forecast to consider driving your vehicle, you should get a new car. - You Pay More for Insurance
How can an older car have higher insurance rates than a new one! For starters, an older vehicle doesn’t have the safety and security technology found in newer cars. That means your car could be easier to steal and rack up more costly damage in an accident. Assuming you have a reasonably clean driving record, if your insurance rates seem to creep up year after year, it’s a sign it’s time to get another car.
Don’t ignore the signs. The last thing you want is for your car to break down before you’re ready to get your next vehicle. Still wondering if it’s the best time to shop for a new car? Come by and check out our extensive inventory of reliable, late-model cars and trucks or give us a call at 888-557-4326. Find the vehicle you want, take a test drive, and let us help you get into the car you’ve always wanted.
There are good reasons people will buy their next used car in Tucson from Car Time Supercenter. But I think we are one of the most trusted used car dealerships mainly because we treat everyone like family. My family has provided quality, dependable local used cars to Tucson customers since 1984, and I’m proud to be a part of our continued success.
Like many family-owned businesses, I grew up going to work with my dad. Falling in love with cars was natural because of my father’s passion, and eventually, I came to love the car business just like him. I officially joined the Car Time Supercenter team in 2012, starting in the finance department. Over the past decade, I’ve learned the used car business and how to treat customers from my family and industry resources.
Today, I oversee marketing, social media, inventory, and reconditioning, so I play an essential role in delivering local Tucson used car buyers the best experience possible. I also help our family business keep up with the times while providing old-fashioned customer service. From attending NADA classes to becoming Allstate certified for back-end products, I continue to learn and add skills to serve our customers better.
