Whether to Fix or Replace
You might have a lot of memories attached to that 1999 Ford Ranger sitting in your driveway, but is it really worth keeping around? Has it seen one too many cross-country trips? Do you find yourself paying for repairs once every two or three months? Is it in need of repairs at this very moment? Like it or not, it may be time to replace that old “nostalgia-mobile” with something a little more efficient.
Of course, some old vehicles are worth fixing if you have the funds. It is often difficult to draw the line between when a car is worth fixing and when it needs to be replaced. A lot of car owners face this dilemma. It is even more difficult when the vehicle has some sentimental attachments. We will share some tips and advice to help you determine whether you should fix it or replace it.
A Game Of Numbers
Numbers can help you out a lot when making this decision. Particularly, the value of the car, the cost of maintenance, the cost of repairs and the cost of replacing the vehicle. Each of these numbers impacts the decision and will help you lean one way or the other.
First, you need to find the actual value of the old vehicle. If you are a die-hard vehicle expert, then you might already know it. Otherwise, there are a lot of free tools you can use to help find the value of a vehicle. The Kelley Blue Book website is perfect for this. You will fill out information regarding the make, model and features of the vehicle and they will return an instant estimate based on the current market.
Next, you need to calculate the cost of the repairs needed to get the vehicle in running order. Most experts agree that if the cost of repairs is at least 50 percent of the vehicle’s value, then it is time to be replaced.
Past And Future Repairs
You also need to consider repairs in the past and repairs in the future. As a vehicle enters its last stretch of usefulness, the frequency of repairs tends to increase. Repairing it now may cost $1,000, but then you will find yourself needing to repair something else in two months.
Try having the vehicle inspected by a mechanic. They may be able to adequately gauge the overall condition of the vehicle and the repairs it will be needing in the future. Add the cost of these repairs to the formula as well and if it’s fifty percent of the vehicle’s worth, then replace it.
One additional cost to consider is the cost of gas. Most older vehicles are less efficient when it comes to gas mileage. This is more noticeable in cars that are already on their last stretch. Newer vehicles are designed to be fuel efficient. The money you save on gas can add up to a considerable sum over time.
The Cost Of A New Vehicle
Now it’s time to consider the cost of replacing the vehicle. This is going to depend on exactly what new vehicle you are interested in purchasing. Maybe you have already been eyeballing a certain car on the lot or in a magazine. If not, now is the perfect time to look for deals and find something within your budget range and that fits your lifestyle.
Compare the total cost of repairs to the cost of the new vehicle. If your repairs are more than ten percent of the cost of a new vehicle, then you should seriously consider replacing the vehicle.
Remember, those repairs are only going to become more frequent and expensive in time. If the price is already that high, then it won’t be long before it adds up to be more than the cost of replacing it altogether.
There are factors other than numbers you can consider as well. Does your old vehicle meet the needs of your current lifestyle? Has its safety decreased over the years? Are you simply ready for a new car? Consider these final questions and use them to help you make a decision.
About the Author
Alexander Kitingan is a successful marketer and two time Amazon Kindle best selling co-author. Learn more about Alexander and his powerful and effective marketing techniques at Agency1Alexander.com