Are you getting tired of your old clunker? Or maybe you just like shiny new things. The truth of the matter is that it’s just plain fun to imagine yourself in a new car. Sure, there are some things about the car buying process that are undesirable (did someone say used car salesmen?), but there’s nothing like buying a new vehicle.
If you’re on the fence, this post aims to push you over. It’s time to buy a new car. Here’s why:
New cars are safer
Even if your current car is less than five years old, safety features have advanced since your purchase. Things like lane assist and automatic braking will help keep you and everyone in your vehicle safer. Not to mention that there are advancements in airbags and crumple zones just about every year.
Technology is better
Does your car have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay? If not, you’re living in the dark ages. Almost all car manufacturers are including these in their off-the-line vehicles now. Imagine being able to use your phone through your car’s LCD screen. You can even see the Google (or Apple) Maps navigation while you’re driving. No more scrambling around to find the phone you dropped before you miss a turn.
Luxury is more affordable
It may seem like cars get more expensive every year, but in a way, they also get cheaper. In an effort to woo a younger audience, luxury automakers like Jaguar, BMW and Lexus have introduced micro SUV crossover vehicles at more affordable prices. You can drive away with a brand new Jaguar E-Pace crossover for under $40,000.
Reliability is an issue
If your car is more than 10 years old or has more than 100,000 miles, reliability becomes a major issue. Older cars need much more attention. As such, they can really drain your bank account. If you’re not one to keep up on maintenance, you’re not off the hook either. If you don’t properly maintain an older car, you’re much more likely to get stuck on the side of the road.
Older cars can be costly
If you were to get stuck on the road, as is likely with an older vehicle, think about what that would cost you. First, there’s the tow truck fee. Of course, this will vary based on your location and distance to be towed, but $130 is a good starting estimate. Then, once you get your car to a mechanic, it has to be fixed. Again, these costs will vary based on the repair and your geographic area, but most things that will leave you stranded aren’t cheap to fix. These unexpected expenses can really set you back. On the other hand, if you finance or lease a new vehicle, you’re more likely to have that one fixed payment without many maintenance or repair costs.
When you’re really worried about making a new car purchase, try to weigh the pros and cons. For one, the new car will cost less in maintenance, so you may actually end up saving money by the end of the year. Also, many dealerships offer buying specials that can alleviate some of the budget burden you might be carrying. If you have a little room to play with your monthly budget, a new car is a great place to splurge.