Getting rid of a car is something most folks don’t take lightly. Of course, like any major situation, give it some thought before you commit to a choice. You may not have the money to find a replacement car. If you’re shopping for a car that is used, one that matches your need or cost may not be available right away. Here are some factors that you should take into consideration as you determine what to do with your car.
It If It Constantly Breaking Down
When planning on what to do with your car, think about how often it breaks down. Does this occur once or twice, with issues that are easy to fix? Or is it frequent, with costly problems that make you think twice about how you’ll get the money to handle the issue? Some factors that indicate it’s time for a new car include:
- It breaks down often
- The cost to repair is more than it is worth
- There is considerable rust on the car
If your car refuses to run, there are several different reasons why a problem may be present. Determine what the cause is before you make a choice. You might have some life still left in your car. Even if it’s not long, this extra time is useful when trying to build up funds to get the car you need.
Keeping a car when it requires constant work isn’t always the best idea. It may trick your mind into thinking you are saving money because you aren’t making the investment or buying something new. You are just putting off the problem and using band-aids to keep the car going. At some point, the car will need replacing. If you haven’t prepped yourself for this, it may come as an unwelcome surprise.
If It No Longer Works for Your Lifestyle
Lifestyle changes happen to all of us. Perhaps you are now a parent, and have one (or more) children you must think about when factoring transportation in. Maybe you got a dog and need a room or would rather than easy-to-clean leather, than deal with upholstery and a dog’s muddy paws. If you are driving a further distance for a new job, think about the condition of your car, the roads you travel on, and how well it holds up. You may come out ahead if you sell your car, while it is still in good working condition, rather than beating it to death and be unsure if it will hold up to the roads you normally travel on.
Changing a car based on your lifestyle isn’t an easy choice. You may be tempted to try other alternatives. Consider if you can use public transportation for work, and save your car for going around town. Think about swapping cars with your spouse, in favor of their car if it works better for your pets or children. Perhaps you are ready to jump on the bandwagon and get a self-driving car to save mental anguish related to morning commutes. Ultimately, the needs of your lifestyle will determine what you need to do.
It Doesn’t Run or Is Barely Drivable
No matter how well you took care of your car, its getting beaten to death is inevitable. In some cases, your car is not running properly, and might not even be considered street legal. When this happens, don’t feel like you must pay to get rid of your vehicle. There are programs that show how to sell a salvage car. Through these, you get money for your car. The amount given to you depends on the type of car, and how much damage it has gone through. Even if you don’t get a lot of money for your vehicle, it’s still a better alternative than paying someone to take it off your hands. You can use the proceeds to go toward a down payment for a new car, or put in a nest egg to buy something used that will serve you and your family.
There are many reasons to get rid of a car. Although this is a final effort for many people, making the decision to do so now is better than trying to continually fix something that does not work. In some cases, the repairs are cost prohibitive, meaning it isn’t worth your time or money to keep the car running. Cars that no longer run should be an automatic candidate for this procedure. If your lifestyle changes, think about how your car will (or won’t) work, and start formulating a plan that involves saving and making a few changes. Regardless of what you end up doing with your vehicle, you’ll find a solution that allows you to get from point A to B even if you must ditch your car.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
