When to Sell Your Car: 3 Clear Signs It’s Time

If you've been driving your car for over a decade, it could be not easy to figure out when it's time to sell it after it has served you well all those years.  Here are the three most common signs that indicate it might be time to part with your beloved ride and consider selling it.:

Excessive and Expensive Maintenance

Older cars tend to break down more often. The engine might suddenly start sputtering and stalling in the middle of nowhere, or an oil leak may cause engine failure during your long road trips. You'll be dealing with frequent and costly repairs when any of these happen.

The cost of parts and labor associated with repair work vary depending on the specific car problem, but one thing is for sure, they don't come cheap. For instance, a bill for engine failure can range from several hundred dollars to over a thousand. 

A brake system overhaul, on the other hand, could cost anywhere between $500 to $900, and finally, damage to the transmission system may require anywhere from $1400 up to $4000 in parts and labor.

Frequent and costly repairs could drive up costs, and when they start to pile up, that's a good sign to sell your car. The most efficient way to do that is for a sell-my-car deal with your trusted buyer.

Outdated Technology

Old technology brings with it poor fuel efficiency, which many old cars struggle with because as vehicles age, their increased wear and tear on the engine over time drastically decreases fuel mileage, resulting in higher gas bills. 

Moreover, the inefficient aerodynamics of older cars makes them burn more fuel for the same distance traveled by newer cars. In contrast, new cars have improved aerodynamics, enhanced engine technology like turbocharging, direct injection, and variable valve timing, and reduced weight due to the lighter materials used to build them, like aluminum.

All of the above contribute to a more efficient combustion process that results in an average of 20% higher fuel efficiency than older cars. So, if you're spending more on gas than you used to, consider selling your car and investing in a newer one with better fuel efficiency and many modern features. 

Safety Concerns

Feeling safe behind the wheel is of utmost importance for all drivers. Older cars have a higher risk of failures, such as faulty brakes or malfunctioning airbags. It can be dangerous to continue driving these older vehicles if they compromise driver and passenger safety. Some signs that indicate a car is no longer safe to drive:

• Strange noises coming from the engine
• Vibrations from the wheels, brakes, or the steering wheel itself
• Unusual smells coming from within the car
• Electrical failure

If your car is experiencing all or any of the above issues, it might be time to quickly rid yourself of an unsafe vehicle. Turning to a junk car buyer can help you sell your problematic car without worrying about extra expense or effort.

Conclusion

Working out the ideal time to sell your old car may be difficult, but knowing the clear signs can help you make the process easier. When you spot any of these signs, you can start exploring your options to sell your used car, such as working with a buy-my-car company in Suwanee, which can help you get rid of your problematic vehicle faster and easier than trade-ins or private selling.