When should you stop putting money into your car?

Ole Bessie has done it again. Last month she had coolant leaks and transmission issues. The month before that, she had to get some rewiring in order for the dashboard lights to start working again. Now, ole Bessie, astonishingly, has a hole in her floor. Yes, you are that close to actually driving a Flintstones automobile. You sigh with frustration. You love your car. Ole Bessie has been with you in good times and bad for many years. But lately you have been putting in more and more money to fix her up. Is it worthwhile anymore? When should you stop putting money into your car? Read on for a few of our suggestions. 

Read our DIY tricks to keep frost off your windshield.

Signs it is time to say goodbye and opt for an upgrade

• You’re spending more money on repairs for your car than what it is worth. If you find yourself in a similar situation to the ole Bessie scenario above, you might want to consider putting the money you are spending on repairs toward the purchase of a newer vehicle in better condition. 
• It has become unsafe to drive. A hole in the floor is a bit extreme, but it does happen, and it is not safe. If you feel your car could break down at any moment or get you into an accident, that is a huge concern. You should always feel safe in your car. Consider making the upgrade to something in which you will feel safe and comfortable on your commutes. 
• If you want more modern technology features. It’s no secret that technology is advancing quickly at every turn. If your vehicle is a bit outdated and you would rather be driving something with a backup camera, navigation, or the like, you may want to consider saving your money for this upgrade in bells and whistles. 
• You want better fuel efficiency. Does your current ride guzzle fuel like it’s trying to win a contest while draining your wallet? It may be time to upgrade to something more efficient. 

Sentimentality is certainly something special, but you don’t want your vehicle to be costing you more than it should or, more importantly, putting you in danger simply by being unsafe. If the above scenarios apply to you, you might want to consider buying a new-to-you set of wheels. Stay in touch with the Stop 23 blog for more tips and tricks!