Five Signs Your Car Needs an Upgrade

You might already know that cars aren’t forever. Even if you become emotionally attached to your trusty 4 wheeled companion, there’s always going to be a time when you have to ask the big question: Is it time for an upgrade? 

While it’s tempting to hang on for as long as possible, there are always some signs that tell you that your car may be ready for retirement, or at least a step aside for something newer and smoother on the road. Whether you want to upgrade its look so you decide to go for a luxury vinyl wrap, or you want to change the alloy wheels when you upgrade your tires, your car can always use some kind of tweak or upgrade if you’re in it a lot of the time.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of five signs that your car needs an upgrade so that you’ll know when the time comes to toll the bell.

1. Your car is currently costing you way more than it’s worth. You know how it goes, you’ve been fixing the brakes and then the transmission acts up and then when you fix the transmission the GPS acts up and the next thing you know, you’re budgeting for repairs like it’s a part time job. Not only that but you need a part time job to pay for it! If you’re spending more on maintenance than your car is worth, it’s a good sign you’re due for an upgrade.
2. It no longer matches your lifestyle. There’s every chance that you bought your car a few years ago when you were single and driving short distances. If we fast forward a little bit through life and you’re now married and you’ve got a baby on the way, then you need something that can accommodate the dog, the road trips and survive against any of the mess.
3. The fuel efficiency has gone out the window. If you’ve been watching the gas prices lately, then there’s every chance that you’re flinching every time you see them and every time you fill your car up. If your car is falling behind in fuel efficiency, then it’s time for an upgrade. Modern vehicles, especially hybrids and electric vehicles, can offer you better mileage and lower emissions. You need to determine whether your ride is guzzling. Feel like it’s still 2005, which means that you’ll be burning your money every time you drive?
4. You are missing out on modern technology. There’s no backup camera, there’s no Bluetooth, there’s no parking assistant, which means that there’s no fun. Today’s cars come loaded with amazing technology, and the smart technology that comes in there makes driving more enjoyable and a whole lot safer.
5. You just don’t like it anymore. It might be a weird reason, but sometimes you fall out of love with your car. Maybe it’s the rattle that never goes away, or the interior that has seen better days either. Either way, maybe you’ve just outgrown it. If you don’t feel comfortable driving it any more than it’s time to trade it in and get something better.