Time for the Talk
No, we don’t mean that talk, we mean the inevitable talk you will have with yourself or your significant other when it’s time to keep or upgrade your car. There are a few sure-fire signs that let you know it’s time to part with your current car, so it’s important to discuss your options and determine for yourself if it’s time to upgrade.
Entering a New Life Stage
An easy way to tell if you need to upgrade your car is if you’ve entered a new life stage. Are you getting married soon and plan on having a kid? Maybe it’s time to upgrade that coupe sports car that served you well, but now you need a car you and your partner can grow into together. Are you already a family of three or four and expecting another one or even twins? Maybe it’s the right time to upgrade your family’s compact SUV to a full-size SUV or minivan, that will give you that third row of seating. Whatever your circumstance is, if your current car is not big enough to handle what’s next in your life, it’s time you started thinking of your options and looking at values for your car for a trade in.
Mileage Well in the Six Digits
High mileage isn’t a definite indicator that you should upgrade your car, but it can affect your decision one way or another. If your car’s odometer is hitting the 200,000-mile mark, it may be time to start looking for a new car. If your car is hitting the 150,000 mark and still running well without any issues, you should be able to stretch it until 200,000. Make sure you’re getting a high-mileage oil change to help your car last those extra thousand miles. In the meantime, you can start looking for cars and see what you want next in your upgrade.
The Cost to Maintain V. Upgrading
If it costs more to fix your car than the value of the car itself, then it’s time to upgrade. If your car is experiencing engine problems, which are easily an expensive part to fix or replace, then it’s time to consider how much you’d be able to get for a trade-in. If the trade in value is less than the cost to fix your car, then it’s time to say goodbye and look ahead toward upgrading your car.
Evaluate, Then Upgrade
It’s not easy to say goodbye to your first car. You’ve shared countless memories, and it’s been your main mode of transportation possibly since you got your license. All goods thing come to an end and eventually, it will come time for you to upgrade to a new car. Assess your current car, consider the expense to maintain it and its mileage and decide if it’s time to upgrade. Likewise, consider where you’re life is or going in the near future and use that to help you make the decision to upgrade.
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