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Timing is Everything When Deciding to Buy a Used Car

A stock photo of people working on a car deal.

When Should You Get Rid of Your Old Car?

It’s totally normal for people to fall in love with their vehicles and want to keep them forever. That isn’t always feasible for any of several reasons. Setting aside our emotions about our vehicles, it’s pretty common for Cambridge Centre Honda customers to wonder, “When should you get rid of your old car?” There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding to buy a car. Our team has identified a few of the most important factors to help you make the best decision. Let’s take a look at what they found.

READ MORE: Check Out Our Used Vehicle Specials

Maintenance Costs Vs. Financing Cost

Whether you think about it or not, your current vehicle costs you a certain amount of money each month. Things like gas and ongoing maintenance add up quickly. That number can quickly rise if unexpected repairs are required, which will likely be more frequent as the car gets older. It makes financial sense to move on from your old vehicle when your regular maintenance costs match or exceed what you’d pay to buy one.

Safety Considerations

Modern cars, trucks and SUVs are packed with incredible safety systems, including options for avoiding backing up into traffic, forward collision alerts and automatic emergency braking. Having these safety systems can provide peace of mind. Also, if you have a newly minted driver using the vehicle, these extra safety systems are a must-have.

Lower Fuel Costs

It’s very common for older vehicles to lose performance and, importantly, fuel economy. Over time, you may find yourself making more and more trips to the gas station. A new (or newer pre-owned) vehicle could be worth it if it delivers enough fuel economy to offset the cost of financing meaningfully. 

Better Access to Technology

A lot of advancements have been made in reducing distracted driving. Features like Bluetooth connectivity have been required in vehicles since about 2013. Additionally, a lot of automakers started including more tech like smartphone integration and more. All of these features can make investing in a new (or newer pre-owned) vehicle more palatable. 

Make an appointment with a Cambridge Centre Honda today to start the process of taking home a new (or newer) vehicle that can change the way you approach driving.