There is no avoiding it: At some point, you’ll have to upgrade your vehicle. Even vehicles from the most noteworthy and reliable brands have an expiration date.
You may know the clear signs for when to upgrade your vehicle, like when it completely breaks down. But it is usually not the best idea to wait until your vehicle reaches that point. It may stop running during the most inconvenient time, such as when you’re on the highway at night.
So it’s important to determine when to upgrade, which in some cases will be unique and personal to you.
Below, we’ll share three key signs that will indicate when you should upgrade your car. Save time, headaches, and money by not holding on to your old one.
Top indications of when you have to upgrade your vehicle
The look and brand of a vehicle will always be important and sometimes can determine quality. But those things are not a guarantee that you’ll get a reliable vehicle to stick with you for years. You have to look beyond aesthetics and consider your situation, now and in the future.
First, think about reliability.
This is the number one concern to keep in mind. Suppose your vehicle stops working or stops having smooth operations (e.g., heat and air conditioning don't work properly). In that case, there's no use holding on to it. It will only slow you down.
And don’t forget technology when it comes to reliability. Car technology advances rapidly every year, with significant changes occurring every two to three years. Cars now have advanced features like Bluetooth and GPS, and some of these technologies are now needed to pass environmental emissions tests. If you have a vehicle that’s 20 years old or more, you likely have to spend additional money getting these technologies installed to pass such tests.
To add to the matter, depending on the model of the car, you might not even be able to install these advanced technologies. Also, as car technology advances, it’s becoming safer to upgrade your vehicle. Many older models lack new safety features, such as side airbags, a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Ensuring your vehicle has the essential technology features will give you peace of mind.
Second, think about maintenance costs.
If your vehicle breaks down a lot, such as more than two times a year, then it’s time to upgrade your vehicle. This refers to major breakdowns that require costly repairs in the thousands.
In this case, figure out the value of your car. Is your car worth more than the repairs you would have to invest in to use it within a year? If the repairs exceed more than what the car is worth, plus what you would need to buy a newer, reliable car, it’s better to upgrade and spare the frustration.
Remember that vehicles depreciate every day too. With older vehicles, it may become difficult to repair them since their parts may no longer be available.
Third, think about space and storage.
If you plan to have your vehicle for several years, consider your lifestyle and how it might change in that time. You may be a student who doesn’t have much to carry around, but in five years, you might have a family or a business that requires you to transport a lot of stuff.
Whatever the case, if your vehicle doesn’t fit your life now, or the one you’re working toward, it may be time for an upgrade. It’s better to look ahead and prepare so you can find the vehicle that’s right for you.
Bonus tip: Monitor your mileage.
One last major consideration that’s an easy indicator of when you should upgrade your vehicle is when the mileage has maxed out. That number will be different for every vehicle, but, generally, after your vehicle’s mileage has exceeded 200,000, it will start to break down and be unsafe to drive. If your vehicle has reached that point, you should upgrade.
Where to find quality vehicles that exceed your expectations
If you’re looking to upgrade your vehicle, seek out a reliable dealership such as Mike Duman Auto Superstore. We’ve been in business for 40 years and work with customers with all credit types to get them a reliable used car that meets safety requirements and has the latest advanced technologies and features.
See our vast inventory here, and contact us to schedule a test drive to find the ideal vehicle upgrade for you.
