07 Jun The Car Dilemma: Should I Buy or Repair My Car?
Since 1978, we have watched from Canyon Country as cars have pushed the boundaries of technology, but these vehicles are not yet perfect and will eventually break down. Although everybody needs to take their vehicle to an auto repair shop sooner or later, you may find that you are visiting too often and may begin to ask yourself the question, “should I buy or repair my car”. People often come to our shop with this on their minds, stuck between the world of buy new or auto repair. However, there is no simple answer, and there are a lot of things to consider before making a final decision.
Weigh Your Options: Buy or Repair
Buy a New Car True Price
Mostly, the price tag of a car is enough to put people off from buying a new car. The average price of a lightly used car has seen a constant increase and can cost as much as $21,000. You would then have to go through the inconvenience of taxes and registration fees. At this price point, you should be able to use that money to fix your car and have a great deal of spare change.
Repair My Car
If you are torn between repairing or buying a new car, then it is likely that you are facing a considerable fix. Major repairs most often become decision time on the future of the vehicle. If the cost of the repair is more than the resale value for the car, does it make sense to repair it? Generally, if the repair costs surpass the value of the vehicle, then we recommend that you purchase a new one.
Advantages of Repairing
Even if you are facing a massive fix, repairing a car may still have some advantages over buying, some of which are:
- You know the complete repair history of your vehicle. This can be more difficult if you buy a used car.
- You can avoid the additional costs associated with new vehicles such as increased insurance, registration, and monthly fees.
- You can avoid the risks that come with purchasing a used vehicle such as the possible repair needs, and not truly knowing the current condition of the vehicle.
If you are still unsure if your car is worth repairing, you may want to watch this video.
Buy or Repair Calculator
The Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA) also provides a repair or buy calculator which you can use to determine the true cost-per-mile of your current car. After adding some details about your car, the calculator will display the additional cost of purchasing a new vehicle over five years and how much your cost-per-mile will change.
If You Choose to Repair
Choosing to repair over buying is only one of the steps you must take to get your vehicle back on the road. You must also pick a high-quality mechanic who understands your car and has a long history in auto-repair. At Tom’s Transmission and Auto Service, we have been repairing vehicles since 1978 and have years of experience under our belt. If you have decided to repair your car, you can visit us at tomstrans.com to book an appointment.