Maybe you’ve got a growing family, or you want to go camping in your summer holidays. Or maybe you want a safer car with comfort-geared tech like courtesy lights or personalised seat temperatures. Either way, deciding to upgrade to a new car means moving your current drive-on for most people. Doing so can be difficult because you need to find a trusted seller who is going to get you the best price quickly. Additionally, you want to ensure that you’ll get an appropriate financial return to go towards your new vehicle, so you’re not stuck without a car. We’ve compiled a list of friendly-nudges for you to check if it might finally be time to follow your car-upgrade instinct.
Consistent Repair Requirements: If you find yourself constantly taking your car to the shop for repairs, it may be time to upgrade to a newer model. Regular repairs can add up quickly and may end up costing more in the long run than buying a new car.
Varying Needs: If you have a growing family and need a larger vehicle, or if you are a frequent traveller and need a car with better fuel efficiency, it might be time to upgrade. Trying to cram your camping gear into the back seats of your sedan just isn’t going to cut it anymore, and you deserve better!
Outdated Safety Features: Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to your car. If your car is lacking important safety features or is not up to current safety standards, it may be time to upgrade. Ensure that your vehicle meets roadworthy standards before selling by consulting with Queensland’s regulations, as well as double-checking that all airbags and tyres are functioning properly. Current ANCAP safety procedures can be viewed here and you can get your airbags checked for you.
Unreliable Functions: If your car is consistently breaking down or has faltering systems, it may be time to upgrade to a more reliable vehicle. Consider where you drive most of the time – if you’re using your daily drive on rocky, inclined or uneven surfaces, it’s important to take these into consideration when upgrading. Driving a car on surfaces it’s unable to navigate safely can put both yourself and your car in scenarios of compromised safety.
Pricey Upgrades That Don’t Return on Investment: If the cost of repairs, maintenance, and insurance is more than the car’s value, it’s time to upgrade. This can even relate to small things such as petrol – newer models tend to be more fuel efficient and thus won’t cost you as much long-term despite perhaps being more of an initial investment.
Old Tech: Technology is constantly advancing, and if your car is lacking modern features like Bluetooth connectivity, lane departure warning, rearview camera, cruise control, steering assist, and other advanced driver assistance systems, it may be time to upgrade to a newer model. Some of these features can particularly assist newer drivers too, so that could be a consideration if you have learner driver’s in your family, or are one yourself.
It’s important to keep in mind that upgrading your car is a big financial commitment and you should consider your budget and your long-term needs before making a decision. Also, consider the environmental impact of upgrading your car, as new cars are more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. Ultimately, the decision to upgrade your car is a personal one and will depend on your individual circumstances. Be sure to weigh up all the factors, including cost, safety, and your needs, to help you make the best decision.
