Should I Repair or Replace My Car?

 

Should I Repair Or Replace My Vehicle?

Other than your home, a vehicle can be a significant investment you’ll make at least a few times throughout your life. You depend on your vehicle for daily tasks like getting to work, dropping the kids off at school, and running errands. The good news is that modern cars are built better than ever before, but still, as your car ages, it typically requires more maintenance. You then are left with the choice of whether you should keep repairing it or replace it altogether.

Your car’s longevity doesn’t depend on only one thing. If you are proactive with recommended maintenance, vehicle parts shouldn’t break down as quickly. Also, if you drive more conservatively, it can help make your car run smoothly for a longer time. Ensuring you’re not waiting too long between oil changes, replacing the belts and filters, and flushing fluids as needed will ultimately prove to save you from costly repairs. Also, consider the extreme weather we have here in Owatonna, MN. The winters here are freezing cold, and it can take a toll on your car if you leave it sitting out on the driveway rather than inside the garage.

Understanding Why Auto Repairs Are Necessary

The Chevrolet brand has been known to build some of the most reliable vehicles on the market today. Even with the quality behind the name, your vehicle won’t last forever. If you enjoy keeping a car for a long time, rather than leasing, for example, you’ll discover that certain things need to be replaced once you pass certain milestones of mileage. As the car’s owner, you ultimately have at least some control over how quickly repairs are needed.

It’s not uncommon for cars on the road today to be over a decade old, but that comes with proper upkeep. Model and make will have some determination on how long your car lasts, but if you treat it with care, there’s no doubt it lasts longer. The tricky part is determining when repairs are becoming a burden rather than part of typical maintenance.

Looking More Closely At Repairing Or Replacing

It can be a little overwhelming for anyone to know exactly the right time to replace their vehicle. Ultimately, most experts agree that it’s a good time to replace your car when it is costing more money to maintain it than it’s worth. Here’s a good example. If you have a car that’s worth around $3,000 according to Kelley Blue Book and you’re spending hundreds every month to maintain it, then it’s probably time for a new one.

Car repairs tend to get more expensive with age as well. Something like rebuilding a transmission or significant engine repairs can cost more than the actual value of the car. It could be argued that this situation is still cheaper than buying a new car, but you then run the risk of breakdown or other hassles you wouldn’t want to deal with. You should also consider future repairs on the vehicle as well. Spending $1,000 on a major repair might fix your problem, but there could also be other underlying problems you’re unaware of. Your best bet is having a certified technician inspect your vehicle, and then you could make a wise decision about your car moving forward. If you have many other car parts that need to be fixed, it might be a better decision to get some money out of the car and use it toward the purchase of a newer one.

Considering How Safe Your Current Vehicle Is

While considering your budget is important, you also need to consider how safe your car is as well. As mentioned earlier, every year a car improves from the previous model, especially with the Chevy brands. You might save a few bucks keeping a car that is over ten years old, but you could also be compromising your safety.

Newer cars have so many driver-assisted technologies that you might be missing out on with an older model. Some of these examples include enhanced airbags, rear backup cameras, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure assist. In 2020, there have been many innovative features that keep drivers safer on the road. Also, newer cars tend to have better gas mileage and more options for customization on trim levels that are appealing. Families with children almost always consider safety as a top priority when they are looking for a new vehicle.

House Chevrolet Can Help You Decide The Best Option

There are many things to consider when you’re trying to determine to repair or replace your vehicle. The bottom line is determining how much your older car is costing you and how safe it is to drive. Our friendly team can provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you. There isn’t a one size fits all for everybody, and we will help you consider the pros and cons. If you would like to bring in your car for a multi-point inspection, we can help point you in the right direction. We look forward to helping you in the process.

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