Cars don’t last forever. Sooner or later that gleaming tin can on wheels you lovingly polish every weekend will need replacing. Not today, not necessarily even this year, but eventually, your beloved car will die. To help you make the right decision when the time comes, we’ve put together a list of tell-tale signs your car is ready for the great scrap heap in the sky.
Serious Mechanical Failure
Older cars with higher mileage are more likely to suffer expensive faults. Mechanical components have a finite life and the over time, wear and tear play a significant role in the lifespan of a car. How expensive it is to replace a part will determine whether it is economically viable to repair the vehicle. Some parts, like brake pads or shock absorbers, are routinely replaced, but if your car’s gearbox fails or the head gasket blows, it might be more than the car is worth to fix the damage.
Always weigh up the cost of the repair against the current value of the vehicle before making a decision. If it would cost more to replace the car, it might make sense to fix the problem. But if this is one in a long line of issues, consider getting rid of the car.
Not Enough Room
If you were child-free when you bought your sexy little convertible, but since then you’ve become proud parents to twins, it is probably time to upgrade to a family-sized car. Small cars are cheaper to run, but not always big enough when kids arrive. Even a larger family car might not be roomy enough if you have more than three kids. In both cases, consider upgrading to a new, larger car if yours is too small and there isn’t enough room for the kids, the dog, and your shopping.
Environmentally Unfriendly
Consumers are increasingly switching to electric vehicles because they are viewed as more environmentally friendly. This is a personal decision, of course, and buying an EV might not be right for you, but if you want to do your bit for the environment, it might be a good time to upgrade.
Too Expensive to Run
Is your current car a gas guzzler? Does it cost a fortune each time you fill up at the forecourt? Do you avoid going on longer journeys to save money? All of these are good reasons to think about trading your gas guzzler in for a more economical model. A V12 5.0 litre engine might leave all the boy racers for dust at the traffic lights, but if you can’t afford to run the car, it is sensible to get rid. Look for used cars Derby at Hilton Garage to see what your options are. Most garages accept old cars in part exchange, so you won’t need to sell yours first.
The last reason to trade in your car for a new one is that it’s an embarrassment. If you need dark glasses and a hat before you dare to be seen driving your current set of wheels, start looking for a new one immediately.
