A new year can bring in a variety of changes and upgrades. This year you may have the urge to get a new car, but do you need to? New cars on the market are pretty impressive and you may be itching for one so we’ve come up with a few tips on how you can identify if you need a new car or if you simply want a new one.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting a new car. The excitement a new car can bring is amazing but there are some cons to buying a new car too. The biggest con? The cost of it. It’s often not worth the financial strain you’ll experience to simply upgrade to a new set of wheels.
On the other hand, if your car is no longer reliable and is emptying your pockets in repairs then maybe it’s worth it to get a new one. But how do you decide? How do you know that you actually need an upgrade rather than just wanting something different? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
How to know if you need a new car
Your petrol never lasts
Petrol doesn’t come cheap, not even in the slightest. If you have an older car, chances are that it just doesn’t have the fuel economy like many newer car models these days. If your car continues to guzzle petrol like it’s a bottomless coffee offer at its favourite café then it may be time for a new car.
Sometimes cars that have mechanical issues tend to drain the fuel tank too so before settling on purchasing a new car to save on petrol, take it in for a service and get it checked out.
You’re always breaking down
Breaking down in the middle of a busy intersection is what nightmares are made of. The fear and frustration that comes with having a car that regularly breaks down just isn’t worth it.
If your car is becoming a safety hazard, it may be time for an upgrade. When we say upgrade, we don’t mean the newest car on the market that will end up breaking the bank but a reliable second-hand vehicle that will seamlessly get you where you need to be.
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It will cost you less to buy a new car
Has your car become a never-ending money pit? If you are constantly paying for repair after repair that’s costing you thousands of rands then it’s definitely time to find a new set of wheels.
You’ll probably find that your monthly car payments will work out a little cheaper than constantly trying to fix a car that is just way past its prime.
Your car doesn’t suit your lifestyle needs
Has your family grown in the past year or two? Have you gotten a new job that requires a bigger, more durable car? Our lives are constantly evolving and sometimes our cars just don’t keep up. If you’re finding that your vehicle no longer suits your needs, lifestyle, or your preferences then it’s definitely time to find something that will work better for you.
Your car makes weird noises
Your car should definitely not be making those thumping sounds or that weird grating noise. There is nothing more terrifying than when your starts making a weird new noise and nope, pretending to ignore it is definitely not the answer. The best thing to do is take your car to a mechanic and have them check it out. If there’s nothing they can do, or the noise persists then you definitely need a new ride.
The amount of time you spend on the roads
The aftermath of the pandemic has meant that many of us are still working from home so if you’re one of those people then is it really worth it? If you’re spending most of your days working from the comfort of your own home and only driving short distances, then the cost of a new car just can’t be justified.
Read this: 9 Essential Summer Car Care Tips
Do you really need a new car or do you just want one?
At the end of the day, this is a personal decision, and no one can tell you if you’re making the right one or not. If your car is no longer safe on the road and you are financially secure enough to purchase a new vehicle then we definitely recommend you do that. If you simply want a new car and you can afford it, then by all means get a new car!
Whatever you choose to do, make sure your vehicle is covered on the road with comprehensive car insurance you can change when life changes.
Your Insurance Family,
Oneplan
