Signs you need to buy a new car

Your car constantly breaks down and needs repairs

Keeping up with your servicing schedule (and having the odd part replaced due to normal wear) is part and parcel of car ownership.

However, as your car gets older, you may notice that those trips to the garage are becoming more frequent – and your once reliable runaround is breaking down with frustrating regularity.

Eventually, small fixes will no longer be enough to keep your car going; major components such as the radiator, exhaust, or perhaps even the engine will need expensive repairs – or outright replacement.

Therefore, if you’re having problems with your aging car, it’s important to consider whether it’s best to repair or sell it.

Constantly shelling out for repairs is false economy. Sooner or later, you’ll hit the point where your repair bill exceeds your car’s value. Ideally, it’s best to sell before this happens, as you’ll have more cash to put towards your next car.

You’re constantly refuelling your car

Fuel costs account for a considerable chunk of your motoring expenses, so it’s good to be mindful of how often you’re filling up.

Older cars tend to be less fuel-efficient than their modern counterparts. Cars built between 1990 and 2007 tend to provide around 30 miles per gallon (MPG), whilst many modern cars manage between 50 and 60 MPG.

Here’s a quick example to illustrate just how much poor fuel economy could cost you:

• Say you drove 7,400 miles each year (the average annual mileage in the UK).
• An older 30 MPG car would use around 1,121 litres per year. At £1.45 per litre, you’d spend approximately £1,625 on fuel each year.
• Meanwhile, a more modern 50 MPG car would use just 673 litres per year, costing around £975.
• In this example, switching to a less fuel-hungry car could save you £650 per year!

Your car fails to meet emissions standards

Some older cars fall short of the minimum emissions standards and incur daily fees when travelling in the UK’s emissions-based chargeable zones.

For example, to avoid daily charges in London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), petrol cars must meet Euro 4 standards, whilst diesel cars must meet the Euro 6 requirements.

These requirements also apply in many of the Clean Air Zones (CAZs) found in various UK cities and areas. However, in some zones, the threshold for tariff-free travel is higher; in Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ), only fully electric vehicles are exempt from daily charges.

If you regularly travel within these zones in a non-compliant car, you could spend a considerable amount on daily fees over time.

For instance, in the ULEZ, non-compliant cars are charged a fee of £12.50 for each day they travel within the designated zone. Meanwhile, in Scotland’s Low Emission Zones (LEZs), the rules are more stringent; non-compliant cars are banned from travelling within the zones at all – and face a £60 fine if caught doing so.

Of course, cars need to meet certain basic emissions standards to be used on the roads at all. Emissions tests are a part of the MOT checklist. Whilst most modern cars are comfortably compliant, some older models will need costly repairs and upgrades to meet the required standard.

Bear in mind that even if you make these improvements, there are no guarantees that your aging motor will pass its next MOT. In many cases, switching to a newer, more eco-friendly model is the best option.

You’ll pay less road tax on a lower-emission vehicle – and, most importantly, choosing a greener vehicle can make a positive difference to the health of our planet.

Your car doesn’t fit your lifestyle anymore

Our lives never stay the same. Over time, we may change jobs, move house, and start families. As our lives change, so do our needs.

That clunky, ancient hatchback that was the key to freedom for you and your college friends might be due an upgrade to match your image if you’ve now bagged a well-paid city job. Alternatively, you might want to trade in your sporty classic for a spacious, economical hybrid if you now need to accommodate a growing family.

Wherever you are in life, you need a car that’s compatible with your lifestyle. If your current car no longer fits your needs, it’s time to find one that does.

Your car has started to look old

Here are a few sure signs that your car is looking old and tired:

• A replacement door (perhaps with a slight colour mismatch).
• Worn tyres.
• A broken wing-mirror secured with tape.
• A chipped windscreen.
• Peeling paintwork and rust.
• Scratches, chips, and dents.

Some of these aren’t merely cosmetic concerns. A taped wing mirror and a chipped windscreen can affect visibility. Meanwhile, worn tyres, and replacement doors could compromise your car’s structural integrity. Rust in certain prescribed areas can make your car unroadworthy.

What’s more, driving should be an enjoyable experience - and you should be able to take pride in your car. If your former pride and joy appears to be hanging on by a thread, perhaps it’s time for a change.

Your car's interior is deteriorating

You spend a lot of time in your car. Therefore, driving should be a comfortable experience. Unfortunately, if you have an aging car, there’s a good chance it’s taken a hit in the comfort stakes.

Perhaps the seats are bursting with foam and springs. There may be a few rips and tears in the carpeting – or an unpleasant lingering smell that you can’t quite place. The heating and air conditioning systems may not work as well as they once did.

All these factors can contribute to an uncomfortable ride. You won’t relish getting into a car with a worn interior – and neither will your passengers.

Your car has a high mileage

The average car on UK roads covers around 7,400 miles each year.

By the time many cars reach 75,000 miles, drivers will start to notice a dip in performance and reliability. However, serious issues are more frequent after the 100,000-mile mark.

A high mileage car is more likely to have issues with its spark plugs, coolant system, gearbox, or perhaps even the engine itself.

It’s important to note that not all high mileage motors have these problems, especially if the owner has been scrupulous about maintenance. However, if your aging car now has a series of expensive faults, you might want to think about making the switch to something more reliable.

You just want something different to drive

Finally, you don’t always need a practical reason to change your car. Even if your current runaround is practical and reliable, you may simply want to change things up.

Every few months, a new model with smarter technology, features, and styling than its predecessors hits the market. Sometimes, wanting to enjoy a cutting-edge driving experience is a good enough reason!

Planning to sell your old car? Selling to webuyanycar is simple and stress-free! Here’s how it works:

• Enter your reg and mileage into our free car valuation tool.
• Book your appointment at any of our 500+ branches.
• Drive to your appointment. Happy to sell? We’ll send the cash to your bank.