When is the right time to sell your old car and buy a new one?
When to Upgrade a Car?
pollambo on 25/01/2023 - 21:40
Poll Options
- 171 year
- 22 years
- 83 years
- 34 years
- 765 years
- 36 years
- 27 years
- 18 years
- 39 years
- 13310 years
- 111 years
- 112 years
- 013 years
- 214 years
- 315 years
- 335Until it fails
Comments
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ANCAP rating system changes as improves to 'safety features change'
once upon a time having a single driver air bag was seen as a 'gold standard safety feature'
now days cars up a 7-9 airbags all over the car protecting all drivers in-case of collision…..
times change and standards 'rise' as technology improves ie lane assist, sensors, Bluetooth etc
it is not to do with new or old cars but an independent rating to stop people dying or being seriously injured on the roads
if you brought a car with a 5 star ANCAP rating 20 years ago it would probably be a 1 star by todays standards because technology has come so far….
statically speak you or someone you care about is likely to be in a major accident at least once in your life if you hold a licence it would be best if you didnt die or end up with permeate disability from that accident - if such injuries/fatalities could be avoided from a few simply features and removing unsafe cars from the road
Should I stop driving my future -5 rated car now and just walk everywhere until cars are made safer?
@JIMB0: ill tell you what you keep driving your old car but if you die in it then post here how you wish you had better saftey features ;)
i mean why do we need safety? you dont need to wear a seat belt? i it is important to keep something running no matter how dangerous it is?
personally i dont mind if people want to kill themselves but try not to kill someone else…
This sounds like talking points from a car dealership.
Brilliant. Invent a problem, then solve it with my taxes.
Time for me was when the amount of body filler almost exceeded the amount of steel lol
When it no longer suits your needs e.g. having more kids than the car authorised to carry or when the car dies and uneconomical to repair.
I've ummed and ahhed about upgrading our Skoda wagon but it's had major items done, just back from a totally trouble free 4500km road trip and presently at 140k I rkn it'll do 240k easily enough. It's too brilliant for me to part with :)
I do however buy and sell a few "fun cars" which for me is enjoyable. I buy older cheaper things so lose plenty less when moving them on (truthfully I've lost nothing at all on the last 2 but well aware this should change soon enough!)
I wouldn't say it's time based.
- uneconomical service cost
- running costs
- needing more space
- newer safety features
- frequency of use - now user may justify a newer/better car
Having a child is also frequently a reason for upgrading.
If slightly used cars continues to fetch prices similar to a brand new car, why not just get a new car whenever you can? No loss to you other than time and you get to drive a new car all the time.
Lol 75 people think like baby boomers.
huh… if it’s a reliable car like a toyota and not your primary car, i’d totally use it till it flatlines.
it used to be 5 for me for the last 2 cars but this one I am holding on.
If it's a Toyota, you basically run it until it completely dies.
don't forget to never do an oil change!
Given today's market, you could sell a 20-year-old dead Echo for $30k..
I'll drive mine till the wheels fall off
better to tighten the wheel nuts Before you drive orf
Been asking myself this for almost 3 years.. 2008 Lancer, 173k on the clock. Paint flaking almost everywhere, few dents and scratches etc. Bought used 2014 with 78k on the clock.
Had issues end 2020 with the ABS module (kinda important, known issue with this model), dealership tried to charge 3000 to repair (replace) got it repaired at an auto electrician + normal service for ~1100 instead.
Recent major service (spark plugs yada yada).. Still runs fine. Never broken down once (flat battery once, was the OG battery and died within 6 months of me owning it, I don't really count this). But have been looking at buying a new car for the last ~3 odd years and keep going back to ol' reliable.
Voted til it fails because I clearly keep pushing off buying a new car because this one doesn't actually want to die :P.
The paint is.. whatever, but as long as the engine/everything mechanical is solid, I guess I'll just keep on keepin on with it..
Where’s the poll option for 1 week?
Until it no longer suits lifestyle requirements or no longer economical for repair cost due to reliability issues.
^ This
We’re in the transition period from Fossil Fuel vehicles -> Electric vehicles. Change your car anytime.
If it's a European car better change at short intervals.
I had my first car (bought a 3yo 2nd hand) one for 4 years, then bought a brand new honda, kept it for 4 years, than a brand new nissan kept it for 3 years, then a 4 year old lexus and so far I have been driving it for 3 years now not looking to sell yet;
I sold my turbo diesel Territory as soon as it was out of warranty… mostly cos I hate SUVs and that thing was a crime of necessity.
I’ve got a 2011 Corolla that I’ve been “thinking” about upgrading for a while but I don’t really see the point it still works fine. Maybe I’ll get something in 2025 when the car market has settled and there’s more EV options
2025 is a good year to upgrade. I had the same model year and was planning to upgrade then. Unfortunately had to move that three years forward
Asking myself this at the moment.
6 year old ute went in for a service on Friday (working fine), and they told me the fuel injectors are seized in place and need to be removed for the service. As its out of warranty, gonna cost about $7k.
Get a second opinion.
A new engine would be cheaper.
They're quoting get fcked money.Take it elsewhere. Never heard of injectors needing to be removed for a service (unless the heads have to come off?)
I bought and sold two cars during Covid less than 3 Year old at the time. Both ex lease. Boring mid sized cars. Put 60k on both of them sold them now borrowing a car from work.
Cost me 6k over 5 years of motoring no further expenses no tyres just oil changes.
I don't care what car I drive.
I do like fast cars but can't afford them.My wife's car was an ex rental car that got flipped after 6 months (jf qashqai) . Hassle free motoring
I'd rather have someone else cop the book loss and roll the dice on a reliable car.
this is a subjective question and depends on context and your personal requirements.
Historically I have bought cars 3-4 years old, then sold when they were about 10 years old.
basic logic is for first 10 years, only need minor services and things like spark plugs replaced. Beyond that, got failing gearboxes, cooling systems, piping, belts/chains, CV joints ect.- Other…
When the new car fails, is the one you want, and can be fixed on the cheap.
Most people abuse their car and can't be arsed to fix even simple things. In the end they get rid of it for emotional reasons, and this.
That is the only time to pounce on a vehicle that is, in the current age has practical use, and more than likely, a value will go to zero in a short period.
Note that I say nothing about the old car. It is assumed that it is no longer fit for service, and will become parts for the new one, or another, and return a high yield on your (previous) low investment
Mine will never fail…..old school landcruiser Ute…..
Change your smoke detector battery, change your car, and change your girlfriend.
It all depends if you see it as a financial or emotional purchase.
People in this thread saying they keep a car for 20+ years. There is no way I could do that.
Is it the most economical way? Yes. But that isn't always the answer.
If you always go for economical, at the expense of enjoying life, I sure hope you never buy food from a restaurant or Cafe.
I personally have a car saving account that I put $250 in every fortnight. Once that gets to a level where I can trade in my car for a new one, I do. Get a shiny set of wheels every 5-7 years and don't really "feel" it.
Could I be weathier if I invested that money instead? Of course. Would I be happier? I don't think so.
We changed cars when we moved to Australia 8 years ago. Bought a little 2011 Nissan micra which I replaced after 2 years since a family member was selling a Honda Jazz (end 2014) very cheap (pre covid) so only meant an extra $2000 for a better car.
About a year ago we sold husband’s Kia Cerato (end 2012) and bought a 2015 pathfinder, because we figured we needed a bigger car for longer trips.
Will probably replace when our circumstances change. We love all the cars we have and get fully serviced every year. We drive little about 15k a month between the two cars.Until the local "head" from "the area" T-bones his or her husband's hilux/raptor into my car.
the old advice I heard was - if you need a car for work and/or to impress people, get a new car every two years to minimise depreciation (aka loss of value) - otherwise keep it until it dies.
so I recently sold my old car I'd enjoyed for 18 years - it was 30yo and still running sweet - but it was looking like needing an expensive main seal and I'd bingled it and didn't care to fix it, so I said far kit, I'd rather walk - and now instead get $50pw renting out my inner city carspace - so that works for me.
Really just when you need it.
I'm still driving 09 model but given I live close to the city I've only clocked 94k kms. Car is well maintained, however, decided to buy a bigger car.
260,000kms on a 12-year-old car that we got second hand and it is still going strong. Sure it doesn't have all the modern mod cons but it has airbags, a radio, abs breaking and everything still functions and works properly. The only thing that looks tired is the paint, but then again, had we gotten it from the start this colour wouldn't have been our top choice.
I’d keep a Toyota or a Falcon for 20+ years if they’re decently looked after. The parts and ability to work on them yourself is reasonable.
The other consideration is if it’s a car you really like and is special and you’re happy to spend a bit of money on it despite its value
Also $20-30/month on 3rd party insurance and the lack of depreciation means that the significant savings go towards repairs.
Safety? Safe enough. ABS, front and side airbags, wide tyres and modern designs are adequate, sometimes arguably safer. Gone are the days where a 20 year old car is made of steel, a rust bucket and no airbags or abs etc. think about a 20 year old car now compared to a 20 year old car in 2003. You looking at a carbureted engine, drum breaks etc.
I also think cars are least desirable at the 7-15 year mark, after that they begin to develop a uniqueness and become more appealing.
When the police finally catch us or we run over a tire stinger.
My current car is 18 years old with 300,000kms. Would like to replace it, but the cost to do so simply isn't worth it.
People change cars way to often.
Wasteful.
Probably the same people who like to act all high and mighty about the environment too.
My wife's VE, which she has no wish to sell, literally never had any expenses bar changing tyres, pads too, we do the oil change and checks… Bought it at 60,000km. Around 10 years later it's at 200,000 and hasn't looked like having any issues.
Parents had a VX Calais, best part of 20 years, 400 plus ks. Very minor fixes along the way. Plenty of highway driving too.
Guess some cars, like Commodores, Falcons and Toyota models are designed to last too… In Australian conditions, funny that.
The biggest cost of car ownership is depreciation. The longer you can hold onto a working car the more money you save.
There are a few exceptions like down sizing from a family mover (eg. 8 seater 4X4) to a basic runabout where expenses for running costs no longer make sense.
In the worst case scenario you own an unreliable model from an uncaring manufacturer then you will want to dump the car after the warranty/extended warranty.
In the best case scenario you own a reliable model like a Japanese or Korean car. The parts are plentiful and affordable. Your local mechanics have experience working on the model. Then it is worth planning how long. If you find a good mechanic you can even ask them to guess ahead what the next expenses will be and how much to save up. If you are mechanically minded or good at researching servicing costs then maybe dump the car before the costliest major service like the timing belt service (or 2nd or 3rd timing belt).
Our family has DIY mechanical knowledge and do basic oil filter changes. We keep cars till they die. My 1995 Hyundai Excel is nearly 30 years old we bought it new but now has 250,000km. My brother had a 1996 Ford Falcon till it was T-boned in 2018 (22 years old).
An expert tip is see if car wreckers are still collecting cars like yours. Most wreckers keep up to 10 year old cars. From 10-15 years you can buy 2nd hand parts from private sellers. Closer to 20 years and its rare to see your model car anywhere. Cars start appreciating in value at 30 years even for a dead car just for its parts.
When it fails and the cost to repair exceeds the worth of the car, or when it no longer fulfills your requirements.
Bought my used 2011 Mercedes C200 CGI in 2018 for $12,000. It’s now done 200,000KM and My timing belt is starting to go, was quoted between 2 and 3 k to fix so I’m still deciding. Have looked after the car a lot, I would service and change the oil every 6 months.
When the car dies, I might look into a Tesla Model 3 long range.
Get a second opinion, or try & find a MB specialist.
Thanks will do
Especially if it is a Euro vehicle.You will often find they are way cheaper than a dealer.Good luck.
I hope a mechanic didn't tell you that, because that car doesn't have a timing belt. It's a chain, and they have problems with the cam phaser as well. I had a c250 CGI for a very short time and hated it.
Sorry mate your spot on. Timing chain and apparently it’s not easy to change. When the car starts, makes a lot of rattle but settles.
How long did you have your car for? And what did you change to?
- Every 3-5 years for a new model
- When factory warranty runs out 5-7 years
- Every 10 years as modern cars should last 10 years
- When repairs start to be time consuming and expensive
We usually choose between the last 2 options with our last 2 cars lasted approximately 10 years each. The current car is going strong right on 5 years.
Related question, when you do decide to sell, how much % difference on price do you see selling privately vs teade in with dealer?
Whenever you upgrade your wife, make sure upgrade your car…
Every 5 years if on a plan, every 3 years if purchased, and lastly every 10 years if second hand, between 8 and 10.
Why every 5 years on a plan (because the cars warranty will run out, and you'll get a better trade in value but you'll be stuck in that dealership ecosystem forever paying).
Why 3 years if purchased, the cars value depreciates faster then retirement, and you'll either want to sell it and upgrade to another entirely different model.
Why 10 years on second hand, well depreciation isn't a problem any more rather then living of the word of 3rd party mechanic, so given warranty is outside of dealership's the 10 years could be a blessing in disguise.
I would say run it to the ground.
Currently driving a 2004 escape with 340000km. Had to replace the alternator which cost $1000. Car is insured for like 4k.
Might be a different case for EV's though. I'm in line for an ev and thinking it might be best to sell that at 8 years when the battery warranty runs out
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So a car that is re-rated suddenly becomes unsafe to drive, yet was perfectly fine when it was newer?