For many drivers, knowing when to leave a car behind becomes a costly dilemma. American Mechanic Mike Maleskia teacher at Rosedale Technical College and owner of PSK Auto Repair, explains Three marks Which indicates that the car is no longer a good investment.
The first indicator is purely financial. For Maleski, the key calculation is comparing the cost of repairs with the monthly payments a new car would entail, he explained in a conversation with Maleski. Go to banking rates.
This consists of dividing the settlement value by the cost of those payments and their costs Evaluate whether the car will last long enough to recoup the investment.
An example from the industry itself illustrates the scale of the problem: Consumers spend an average of $838 every time they take their car to the storeAccording to Kelly Blue Book.
If the repair costs $6,000 and a new car will cost about $500 per month, the car, the specialist advises, The repair must last more than a year to be justified.
Uncertainty about future mechanical problems complicates the calculation. Therefore Maleski warns: “You never want to throw away good money for something bad.”.
The second sign mentioned by the American mechanic relates to upcoming expenses. New brakes, belts, or other difficult services don’t necessarily require a car to be replaced, but they can be the breaking point.
According to Maleski, in some cases, the total cost of purchasing a new car can be lower, especially if the frequency of maintenance is reduced. But there are also reasons that go beyond the pocketbook.: More safety or convenience features may tip the scales toward change.
An adjustment in personal routine or a complete change in lifestyle can also justify a transition to another type of vehicle. This can range from personal preferences to practical needs, Maleski explains.
For example, Outdoor enthusiasts can leave behind a sedan for an SUVA family whose children are going to university can do the opposite and choose a compact car to reduce transportation costs.
In these scenarios, when the routine is about to change, even Pending repair can become the impetus for deciding to replace the car.Maleski said.
However, Maleski emphasized that even with these signs there is no single formula for all cases. The decision combines personal, financial and mechanical factors. Given this complexity, he recommends going to a trusted specialist.
“This topic comes up every day in workshops. As a mechanic and trainer, I recommend integrity and honesty and trust a professional to make this decision“, He said.
Finally, he added: “They say a car is the second biggest investment in our lives, and it usually doesn’t offer the best return. Therefore, obtaining a professional opinion is essential“.
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