How To Know When You’re Ready To Upgrade From Your First Car
Posted in: Car Insurance, Driving Tips.
Your first car is a big part of your life. It’s the vehicle that gave you independence after passing your test, it was there for you for those late night trips to the shop and probably took you on all kinds of adventures. However, there comes a time when we must all say goodbye to our first cars. It can be a struggle, but trading in your dented old banger for the brand new Jeep you’ve had your eye on can be quite a refreshing experience. But how do you know when it’s time to upgrade? We’ve pulled together a quick checklist to help you out.
- Reliability Is A Thing Of The Past
Those late-night trips to the store might’ve been great way back when, but if your car has a 50/50 chance of starting up when you climb into the driver’s seat, it’s probably time to think about getting a new one. If your car can’t get you from A to B like it’s designed to, then replacing it with a much more reliable vehicle is probably in your best interests. Unreliable cars simply aren’t safe to drive and could break down at any given time, so not only will upgrading save you a world of pent-up frustration, but it will also keep other drivers safe too.
- You’re Spending More On Fuel Than Literally Anyone Else
Nowadays, cars are built to be far more eco-friendly than they ever have before, and with that comes improved fuel usage. If you want more mile for the fuel you’re putting into your car, a new model could benefit you, the environment, and your bank account more than you might expect. Older cars, while they might be cheaper when you first buy them, certainly add up over time, especially if you’re using your car on a regular basis for a commute, for example.
- Your Car And Lifestyle Just Don’t Match Up
Our lifestyles can pretty much change overnight. Whether it’s a new job that requires a longer drive to get there and you just aren’t sure the car can make it, or your family grows and you find that your three-door car is more of a pain than its worth, then an upgrade may be in store. Extra cabin space, more room in the boot and a more stylish look are equally reasons to upgrade if they are needed to suit your lifestyle, so get out there and get looking for something that suits!
- Maintenance Is Costing More Than The Car Ever Did
If your car is unreliable or prone to breakages, you may be finding that you’re spending far too much on maintenance to keep it running. Add up all of the maintenance costs your car has incurred over the past year, and if it’s more than a third of what the car was worth to begin with, it may be time to upgrade. In most cases, you’ll only find yourself needing more maintenance as time goes on, which means that as the worth of the car goes down as a whole, the maintenance will go up and it just isn’t worth it.
- You Just Want A New Car
Finally, another reason to upgrade is, well, because you want to! If you’ve had an ideal car in mind since you passed your test and you’re finally able to get one, then why not go for it? If your current car is still in perfect working order, but you’d like a new model anyway, why not try selling yours instead? After all, there are plenty of other new drivers out there looking for affordable vehicles to get out there and have adventures in.
Tags: Your First Car
