Car Repair Advantages
Due to the current recession, consumers are holding out on buying or trading in their cars, because they are afraid of getting into more debt. Many people are getting their cars fixed, rather than buying new. This is a good idea if you have a later model car with low miles. Trying to keep your car running should only go up to a point. Buying a different car becomes essential, whether it is used or new. Even in this economy, you need to let your clunker die.
When You Should Let Go
When is the right time to get rid of that old clunker? You can see some basic signs that should tell you to let go now. When it strands you somewhere at least three times, this is the first sign. Basically, if it refuses to start and you have to take a taxi home. Get rid of it if this happens at least three times.
While driving, if your muffler comes off, this is the second sign. This is a very bad sign. I was on a trip once and stopped at this particular gas station. A bumper sticker inside the store read, “Honk if parts fall off”.
Should this describe your car, it is time to let it go.
Let go of your clunker if you are adding oil every day. Your car is either burning too much oil or leaking it out somewhere. There really is no point in keeping it if it is doing this.
The last sign should be obvious if the tire comes off while driving down the highway. Should any fires result from this, hope there is snow around to put it out. This means that either the bolts were too loose, or the rod broke off. If the last case is true, there is no way this can be fixed.
Think About What to Buy
So, you have made the choice to let your old clunker die and buy a new car. It is a good idea, because you will only end up making a lot more costly repairs in the long run. You do not have to buy a new car though. Many dealerships have a wide selection of decent, late model used cars to choose from. You will save up to half off a brand new vehicle, if not more. Later, that nice new car could cost you much more money than you thought it would. A late model car can cost roughly half the cost of a new car. For the first few years, you will not have that many problems, and you may still get a warranty of some sort.
Last Word
Whether or not you choose to get rid of your clunker, or keep it going with many expensive repairs, the point is to do what is best for you. If you think you can keep your car going for a few more years, than do so. If you cannot, be sure you can afford to buy another car. At the very least, limp the old one along until you have enough money saved to buy a car outright. Hey, have fun and program your cell phone with the number for the taxi company!
