Repair Your Vehicle Or Buy a New One?

blogged by car on July 1, 2009 8:01 am »

Whenever you take your car into the repair shop, it’s natural to think about upgrading to a new one. After all, sinking more money into an automobile that seems to be on its last legs is a discouraging prospect. One day, you’re forced to replace a failing alternator. The next day, it’s the catalytic converter. Next week, you might need a new transmission. Is it finally time to retire your vehicle?

Below, we’ll take a look at this question from an analytical perspective. There are pros and cons to each side of the decision; the path you choose should reflect the factors that are most important to you.

Advantages Of Repairing Your Car

For most people, price is the deciding factor. In the short term, it will usually be less costly to replace failing parts than to buy a new automobile. Even a $4,000 transmission, while certainly expensive, is less costly than placing a substantial down payment and assuming monthly payments for years.

Another advantage involves depreciation. Cars lose a large majority of their value during their first four years. If you buy a new model, you’ll pay a premium for value that will deteriorate quickly. By contrast, your current vehicle has already been partially depreciated.

Also, keep in mind that many people purchase new models out of desperation. That is, their cars break down and leave them without transportation. If you purchase a new automobile in that circumstance, you’ll be more likely to make a hasty decision with limited funds. Making the necessary repairs buys time and allows you to save more money.

Advantages Of Buying A New Vehicle

One of the main reasons many drivers decide to retire their car and upgrade to a new model is the peace of mind they enjoy by doing so. In effect, new models don’t break down (usually). The constant fear of being left stranded by the side of the road is replaced with a comfortable assurance.

Another reason a lot of people finally sell their old vehicles is because visits to their local mechanic become more frequent. Sometimes, the visits are due to a series of parts failing in quick succession. Other times, it’s because the mechanic failed to perform the needed repairs correctly the first time. Each trip requires time and waiting for the weekend isn’t always feasible.

Drivers also get rid of their older vehicles due to boredom or embarrassment. For example, you might be tired of the style and desire a change of pace. Or, maybe you need to kick the door open from the inside in order to exit. A new car can be a breath of fresh air.

Your decision regarding whether to repair your older vehicle or buy a new one should be based on items you feel are important. Keep your budget in mind, avoid buying out of desperation, and run the numbers. You may discover that asking your mechanic to overhaul the engine may be more trouble than it’s worth.

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Lawrence_Reaves