As drivers, we can expect that at some point we will be faced with the question “Should I repair or replace my car?”. When we experience problems with our cars, we are quick to think that it is time for a new one. However, we need to take a deeper look into the short-term and long-term outcomes of the two choices. The two types of major repairs we are faced with are body repairs and mechanical repairs. In this article, we discuss a few main points you should consider before making your decision.
If it is an older car and it needs mechanical repairs frequently, it can be highly frustrating as one issue leads to the next. If this is happening often, the cost of repairs may be more than it costs to purchase a new vehicle. Or if it is the first time you are experiencing a mechanical issue, there is no need to jump into buying a newer car. Instead, take the car to a local mechanic for car repairs and be attentive to how it is running. If the car has body damage, the repair bill will vary depending on the level of damage. There are cost-effective ways a repair shop can help with bumps and scratches. However, replacing body parts can add up. If this is the case with your vehicle, investigate the costs of body part replacements versus buying a new car.
Oddly enough, some older models of cars need fewer repairs as they are less complex than the new cars of today. However, if your car is old and has experienced a lot of mechanical issues, it is probably time to invest in something different. Due to newer vehicles being more complex, there are more parts and thus more chances of small issues arising that might lead to other issues. If you have purchased a new or newish car and you have a service/maintenance plan, the costs are already covered so there is no need to worry about forking out money for car repairs. That being said, if your vehicle is constantly giving you issues, you may want to look at replacing the car. After all, you bought the car to drive it, not leave it at the local auto repair shop.
Apart from the labor, car parts can be extremely expensive depending on the make and model. Based on where you live, you should investigate the accessibility to spare parts for your make of car. The less accessible the parts are, the more expensive they will be. If your current car is proving difficult to fix due to the inability to find car parts, selling the car for another make that is easier to repair, may save you more money and peace of mind in the long run. You can learn more about the make of your car by searching for reviews online at Kelley Blue Book, or by joining local car groups on social media to ask questions or for advice.
If your car has been in a collision, the repair estimates may be more than the car is worth. Replacing mechanical parts is common and won’t affect its value too much. However, body damage caused by accidents can often stand out because of the scratches left behind, or the color of body parts not matching the rest of the car. Depending on the extent of damage, it may be more beneficial to sell your car rather than repair it.
With these factors in mind, you should do some research on your vehicle in terms of its value after repairing the car versus replacing it. Also, consider the long-term frustration of repairing the car if you experience issues frequently. It is quite possible that it is starting to cost more to keep the car, rather than purchasing a new car. By compiling a list of pros and cons, you can weigh out the different factors and make an educated decision on what the best option is for you.
Drive Fast USA in Omaha, Lincoln, NE, Wichita & Kansas City - Buy Here Pay Here - We offer bad-credit Car loans
If you’re located near Omaha, Lincoln, Wichita, and Kansas City and have a weak or nonexistent credit score, you are a likely candidate for no credit car loans. However, lenders will still have minimum eligibility qualifications for bad-credit auto loans.
Are you looking to buy a car? Our stress-free car shopping experience will have you driving home amazed at how fast and easy the process was. Just because we’re a “Buy Here Pay Here” car lot doesn’t mean we don’t have a great selection of pre-owned vehicles to choose from. Our inventory is continuously being updated. That means if we don’t have the perfect vehicle for you, be sure to check back next week or even the next day.
In any case, we’re confident that we’ll have something that will fit your tastes, needs, and budget. We encourage you to browse our inventory online in Omaha, Lincoln, Wichita, or Kansas City to narrow down your preferences to make things even faster when you visit our auto dealership.