When your vehicle breaks down, you know it’s time to get a new ride. But what about proactively selling your vehicle before it completely loses its value? Is there a best time to transition to a new vehicle? Here are our tips for when to buy a new car:
Your Car Needs Repairs Every Few Months
Unreliable transportation can make life harder than it needs to be. If problems keep popping up with your car every few months you may want to start thinking about purchasing a new (to you) vehicle.
Don’t get stuck in the sunk cost fallacy when it comes to your vehicle. Just because you’ve already spent hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs over its lifetime doesn’t mean it’s worth it to sink more money into it. This is especially true if you’re not able to do your own repairs to the car and it needs to be taken to a mechanic every time.
Car Downtime is Frequent
Even if you’re able to keep up financially with the repair costs that your unreliable car is throwing your way you need to consider the downtime. If your car is breaking down every other month, causing you to go without a vehicle, and hindering your ability to work or take care of necessary errands then you need to ask yourself if this car is worth the lost time. After all, time is money.
You’re Stressed Just Thinking About Your Car
No one wants to live with a constant source of stress and anxiety. If your car is breaking down, always requiring repairs, and stressing you out. It’s time to look for another vehicle! Chronic stress isn’t great for anyone’s health, so mitigate that by investing in a more reliable vehicle.
Your Car No Longer Suits Your Needs
Have you added a pet to your family? Maybe you need a hatchback that allows easy access to the back where your dog can lay on long road trips. Is your small compact car making it impossible to buckle your child into their carseat? Think about looking into a van or SUV that provides more room and easier access. Has your work commute increased exponentially over the years? It might be time to trade in your SUV or truck for a more fuel efficient vehicle.
United Financial CU Can Help
If you’re seriously considering purchasing a new or used vehicle, United Financial can help! We have everything you need when you are shopping for a new vehicle, all in one place! Check out our competitive Auto Loan rates as well as our Auto Buying Center!