Friday, March 15, 2024

How long should I keep my car

Thinking about getting a new car or truck. When is the right time to sell your car. We can help you with these questions and more. It's a question every car and truck owner struggles to answer: Should I replace my vehicle or keep it for a few more years. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to part ways with your ride.

Better technology Not that long ago, consumers replaced their cars because they weren't built for the long haul. Today, vehicles are lasting longer, thanks to improvements in design and production techniques. So it's no surprise that people are driving them longer, and the average age of light cars and trucks in America has been rising. 

Repair or replace? Confidence in your vehicle, even with its improved quality, begins to wane sooner or later. If you're like many, the biggest reason behind wanting to purchase a new car is the fear that your current ride will need an expensive repair. Conventional wisdom suggests it's a bad idea to keep putting money into the upkeep of an older car. But replacing your car may be more expensive than finding affordable ways to maintain your car. That's especially true if you're thinking of buying a new vehicle over a used one. Although depreciation varies depending on the make and model, there's a chance that the moment you're handed the keys, the value of your new car or truck will decrease. Factors that can influence this include supply and demand of vehicles and other market conditions. In certain market conditions, vehicles may actually be worth more. Bottom line: Even your most dreaded repair bill may cost less than the first-year depreciation of a new car. While the initial depreciation isn't as much if you buy a used vehicle, it's an important factor to consider.

Safety features The urge to replace a functioning vehicle can be traced to a desire to exhibit a successful lifestyle. For others, it's as simple as the overwhelming lure of that new car smell. Then there are those eager to upgrade to a vehicle with the latest generation of safety features. There was a time when the mere presence of an air bag was innovative. These days, the device is standard equipment and located in multiple positions inside the vehicle. In addition to the evolution of air bags, there's been a renaissance in the development of other safety advancements, including:
  • Autonomous braking 
  • Adaptive headlights, such as headlights that turn to look into curves
  • Backup cameras and sensors 
  • Blind spot monitoring 
  • Automated parking
  • Lane departure warnings
Crunch the numbers Using a spreadsheet or the back of a napkin, compare the numbers for a new car purchase versus keeping the car you have. Consider the total costs of a new car. Figure out what a car payment will look like with our car affordability calculator. Compare quotes for insurance, vehicle registration, maintenance and fuel costs. A new car may be exciting, but it shouldn't cause your overall financial situation to break down. The USA Advice Center provides general advice, tools and resources to guide your journey. Content may mention products, features or services that USA Federal Savings Bank and or USA Savings Bank do not offer. The information contained is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to represent any endorsement, expressed or implied, by USA or any affiliates. All information provided is subject to change without notice.