Have you been driving the same car for quite some time now? You may find it hard to part with it now. After all, you’ve been driving together every day for years and consider it a bit like your best friend. However, there are certain signs that clearly indicate that it really is time for a change. If you find yourself in one or more of these 10 situations, it would be best to visit your dealer and buy a new car. I’d advise you to do so if you’re concerned about your own safety, or to avoid hurting your wallet.
Have you been driving the same car for quite some time now? You may find it hard to part with it now. After all, you've been driving together every day for years and consider it a bit like your best friend. However, there are certain signs that clearly indicate that it really is time for a change. If you find yourself in one or more of these 10 situations, it would be best to visit your dealer and buy a new car. I'd advise you to do so if you're concerned about your own safety, or to avoid hurting your wallet.
Repairs costing more than the value
It's perfectly normal to have a car repaired when it breaks down, at least if it's a small repair. But if the costs are too high, it doesn't make sense. After all, we're not so stupid as to spend money at the garage that we'd spend on the same model in better condition, are we?
Very high mileage
A car is considered to be in fairly good condition if it hasn't covered more than 200,000km. Once the odometer has passed 250,000km, or even 300,000km, you're likely to have more mechanical problems than before. With daily driving, this will take between 10 and 15 years, depending on use.
Major safety issues
A strange little noise can still be ignored temporarily, but when it concerns safety, it's out of the question! Under no circumstances should a vehicle with brake, steering or airbag problems be used. If these problems cannot be repaired, a new purchase is in order.
Frequent and repeated breakdowns
You went to the mechanic last week and you're already having trouble starting the car this morning? It makes you wonder whether the car is meant to be driven or just to decorate the garage. what good is it if you can't use it as you please?
Repeated failure to pass roadworthiness tests
Roadworthiness tests are designed to check that your car is safe to drive. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the reason your car often fails the test is that it's ready for the scrap heap. You'll save more by buying a new one than by trying to recondition it.
Changing family needs
When you're single, you can make do with a small Smart car with just two seats. On the other hand, when you have four children, even a city car isn't enough. In these cases, you'll need a minivan that seats everyone. And if you want to go on vacation with Grandma, Grandpa and Uncle Ben, you'll need a minibus.
Excessive fuel consumption
Before, a full tank was enough for several weeks. Now it doesn't last more than ten days, even though your habits haven't really changed? Well, that means your engine is getting on in years. Your expenses are going to go through the roof, not to mention the maintenance costs that await you.
Advanced chassis corrosion
The chassis is the very backbone of the vehicle, and all other components can be considered accessories. It can't be replaced like other parts. So, if it's in bad shape, don't even bother trying to repair it. Buying a new chassis means buying a new car.
Environmental standards not met
To protect our planet, vehicles must comply with various environmental standards, particularly with regard to CO2 emissions. Are you using an old model that pollutes too much? Not only will you be banned from certain areas such as urban zones, but you could also be fined.
Obsolete technologies
Technologies such as driver assistance, reversing cameras and ABS have become standard in modern cars. If you're still driving a 1985 model every day, you're not safe enough to drive with the average person. even back then, electric windows were the stuff of science fiction.