How to Know It’s Time for a New Car

Like any other major purchase, it can be hard to know when it’s time for a new car. There are plenty of factors that go into making this decision, and since it’s a decision you probably only make a few times in your life, you don’t have as much practice weighing the various elements as you might with other choices.

So, with that backdrop in mind, we’d like to use this article to offer some practical tips on how to decide when the time is right to purchase a new or used vehicle. If you decide that the time is coming up shortly, be sure to visit Taylor & Sons Chevrolet to see what we have available. Our friendly and professional team will be happy to show you around and answer any questions you may have. We hope to serve you soon!

Start by Looking for These Signs

If you are getting closer and closer to a point when it might be time to purchase a new car, there may be some signs popping up that you will notice. Just one or even two of these signs alone might not push you to the point of making a purchase, but the accumulation of plenty of points will add up over time. Some of the things to be thinking about and watching for include the following –

• Ongoing repair needs. This is likely the most frustrating of the signs that it might be timing for a new vehicle. If you keep having to take your current vehicle into the shop for repairs time and time again, you’ll start to think that there might be a better way to spend your money. Of course, having your vehicle repaired a single time, or even a couple of times, might be worth it, but doing that over and over again gets old in a hurry. Not only will the costs of these repairs start to add up, but you’ll also tire of the inconvenience that comes with these stops at the auto shop.
• Lacking technology. The technology that is included in vehicles has come a long way in recent years, and an older model might be starting to show its age in terms of the features that aren’t included. If you would like to have some of the more modern touches available in your car or truck that make life behind the wheel more enjoyable – and even safer – looking into a new model is something that is worth your time.
• New requirements. Sometimes, it’s not so much about the vehicle you are driving as it is about your lifestyle dictating a change. For example, if you have a child, you may find that your old sedan doesn’t really work for your needs any longer, and you’ll want to switch to something like a small SUV with more space for both passengers and cargo. Or, maybe you switched to a new job that is farther away and you want to get a vehicle that is going to optimize gas mileage and save you money. Take note if your situation has changed since you picked your last vehicle, or if your situation is going to be changing in the near future and plan your vehicle accordingly.
• Declining fuel efficiency. Speaking of gas mileage, you might find that your vehicle isn’t recording the same kinds of numbers today that it was able to register years ago. If that is the case, you might again feel encouraged to think about buying a new vehicle rather than paying more at the pump over and over again. It’s natural for fuel efficiency to decline over time, so pay attention to how often you have to fill up and take this factor into consideration along with plenty of other variables.

Keep These Considerations in Mind

If some of the points above have started to make you think about changing up your vehicle, there are some considerations to weigh along those lines. The first is the budget that you are going to have for this purchase. Evaluate your budget and compare that to what is available on the market today. Can your budget afford you a vehicle that is going to suit your needs? Will you be looking at new or used vehicles?

Beyond your budget, you’ll also want to think about what kind of vehicle it is that you will be purchasing and how that vehicle is going to serve your needs for years to come. As we talked about in the previous section, the needs that you have for a car might be different than they were in the past – and you might expect those needs to change even further as the years pass.

Yet another component of this process to weigh is the trade-in value of your current vehicle. Remember, the vehicle that you are leaving behind in favor of a new one still has some value, and that value can help you bring down the purchase price of whatever you decide to buy. This is a big part of your buying decision and will go a long way toward determining what is within your price range. Be sure to work with a proven and established dealership so you can be sure you are getting a fair deal on your trade-in. It’s also possible to sell your vehicle separately but going the trade-in route usually provides you with great value and you can’t be the convenience.

Taylor & Sons Never Disappoints

Whether you are ready to purchase a new vehicle, or you just want to look around and see what is available, we’d love to have you on our lot. We are sure that you’ll be impressed with our extensive collection, and the knowledge of our team will make it easy to get the answers your need to make an informed decision. We have many satisfied clients throughout the Sandpoint area and would love to add your name to that list!

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »