At what point do I dump my 10 year old Corsa?

Primrose

It's only done 26,000 miles, and the 10 year service & MOT has just cost me £500 (including having to remove the dashboard to remove a mouse nest !!) I'm trying to work out whether the annual outlay tax, insurance, servicing etc is more than the car is actually worth. But it's a thoroughly reliable little car and with the small annual mileage I do, it seems extravagant to buy a new car, even under any scrappage scheme.

Cool_Username

Unfortunately it can tend to be swings and roundabouts running an old car - a new one will cost thousands of pounds to buy but hopefully not much to run - an older one can end up costing thousands in repairs over the course of a few years.

If you've just spent £500 getting the car through the MOT I'd keep it for the moment to get your money's worth - maybe think about getting rid of it a few months before the next MOT.

rev_henry

Keep it. A new car will cost a fortune in depreciation (usually). That £500 doesn't sound too bad tbh. Did they have to do anything special apart from the dash? You'll pay tax, insurance and servicing on a new car, just as much, if not more.
Where do you get it serviced and MOT'd? You may be able to reduce this cost by shopping around...

pitkin2020

You have answered your own question.

Primrose wrote: »

it's a thoroughly reliable little car and with the small annual mileage I do, it seems extravagant to buy a new car, even under any scrappage scheme.

If the car is reliable and your happy with it then there is no reason to change it.

dannymccann

Yep, as long as it does the job you need it to do then keep it. This £500 was a one off due to the mouse nest, that isnt a particularly normal fault with the car, you do have to wonder how it got in there in the first place, might be an idea to have a look for holes in the chassis and get them welded up

vikingaero

If it's a Corsa B (1993-2000 ish) then it's likely the petrol tank, which is made of steel, will rust fairly soon and leak petrol.

mark5

I normally buy nearly new cars and keep them a few years, I would say they roughly cost me £2000 for every year of ownership in depreciation plus servicing costs on top etc so £500 isnt bad going when you have very little depreciation to deal with.

I would keep it, unless you want a newer car for novelty purposes.

rictus123

When you feel ready for change and can afford to do so.

Rolandtheroadie

vikingaero wrote: »

If it's a Corsa B (1993-2000 ish) then it's likely the petrol tank, which is made of steel, will rust fairly soon and leak petrol.

Local breakers do a petrol tank for a 1999 vectra brand new for £60. Cant see a corsa being much different.
I'd have left the nest and got a mouse trap. Much cheaper. friends had the same problem but didnt know till the wiring loom had been eaten a bit.
Just to add, i'd keep it

rictus123

Corsa will be about £40

movingforward2010

mouse nest ?