Good time to upgrade my car?

Mumum

jimjames said:

Mumum said:

Homer_home said:

You seem to be panicking over nothing...
Thanks for explaining your line of thought. That makes sense. I would much rather not have to buy another car but wanted to make sure I wasn't throwing good money after bad. The garage had suggested that it would last me about another year but I don't know if they were basing that on age or condition. Mind you, the fact that they would buy it from me for more than £500 suggests they dont believe that to be the case. I'm not sure why you think I'm panicking. I've been considering upgrading for a few months now so am trying to gather information to make an informed decision. Thanks for your input, it helps.

I certainly wouldn't change if it wasn't needed. If your current car has been reliable and you know the work done then I'd keep it. Generally older cars don't rust now like they used to so if they are maintained mechanically then they should keep going. You will need consumable items but those will be needed on any car. Buy another one and the you have no knowledge of the history, it may even cost you more to run as well as more to buy. I have a 12 year old car and 19 year old car, both running without issues and minimal cost to maintain each year and definitely no depreciation.

That makes complete sense, really helpful comments, thank you. As you said, there are no guarantees just because the car is younger and I could still end up paying the same on it as on the one I've got, completely defeating the object. I'm going to hang on to my car for the foreseeable so thanks for yours and everyone else's comments. I posted on a whim but am really glad I did as the feedback is unanimous and I've learned a few things 👍👍👍

lordmountararat

Be very careful before you buy a semi-automatic, and have a long test drive. These electro-magnetic 'semi-automatic' clutches are notoriously jerky and unpleasant to drive. Compare it with a proper automatic torque converter car and you will see what I mean (though CVT is OK).

Mumum

lordmountararat said:

Be very careful before you buy a semi-automatic, and have a long test drive. These electro-magnetic 'semi-automatic' clutches are notoriously jerky and unpleasant to drive. Compare it with a proper automatic torque converter car and you will see what I mean (though CVT is OK).

Very true as I have one of these now and its not the smoothest of driving experiences. When I do upgrade I'll look for a CVT, thanks. 

Mumum

lordmountararat said:

Be very careful before you buy a semi-automatic, and have a long test drive. These electro-magnetic 'semi-automatic' clutches are notoriously jerky and unpleasant to drive. Compare it with a proper automatic torque converter car and you will see what I mean (though CVT is OK).

Or proper automatic.

Ditzy_Mitzy

I'd keep what you have.  A new car, of the sort described, isn't going to be appreciably better; or at least not so much better that it's worth the outlay.  Mileage is something of a double edged sword.  Some say that more miles are better, as the engine is worked appropriately, others disagree.  I've owned enough old heaps over the years to conclude that less on the clock is better.  The engine is only one bit of the car after all and, if necessary, it's not that difficult to repair.  Driving wears everything else out too: the bodywork, interior, carpets, suspension, rubber seals, hinges, controls, electrical system, you name it.  Those bits are often the most difficult to replace and can be more expensive.  It's a lot easier to fit a reconditioned engine than to retrim an interior, for example.  In general lower mileage cars always feel like they've got more life in them, second hand, than do high mileage cars.