It can be hard to know for how long to keep your vehicle. You might have friends or family that replace vehicles often, and you might know someone driving around in something that should be put out to pasture. So, what’s the right length of time to own your vehicle?
Most people own their cars for an average of 11 years. When you talk about ownership in mileage, vehicles in good working order can last up to 200,000 miles for a conventional gas engine, and about 300,000 miles for an electric vehicle.
That doesn’t mean that you need to keep your vehicle this long. There are many reasons to swap out to a new or new-to-you car. Here are a few things to consider:
Some vehicles have more longevity than others. If you find yourself in constant need of repairs, particularly costly repairs, consider trading up. Regular maintenance such as oil changes, radiator and transmission flushes, brake replacement and filter replacement should be expected. However, if your vehicle is constantly in the shop with a next problem or issue, it is likely time to start looking.
It can be disappointing to find out that your car needs a repair that is more than your vehicle is worth. If you have an older vehicle and it needs a whole new engine, new transmission or lots of medium-sized repairs that add to more than your vehicle is worth, it likely isn’t worth repairing. That money would be better spent as a downpayment on something new. The last thing you want to do is invest a lot of money in an older vehicle, and then need to keep investing as more things need attention, or not get your money back when you sell or trade it in.
If operational costs have got you down, a new vehicle could be a relief. Older vehicles aren’t as fuel efficient as new vehicles tend to be (especially if your new vehicle will be a hybrid or EV), and even age can minimize fuel efficiency. So, if you feel like your car isn’t giving you the mpg you need, it’s okay to switch out to a more fuel efficient, lower emission option.
You might still love your vehicle, but manufacturers may have moved on to next generations. If you’re having a hard time locating parts, either OEM or aftermarket, then you’ll need to think about getting a new vehicle. It isn’t safe to drive around in something that is missing parts or using parts that aren’t quite the right fit.
Even if there isn’t anything wrong with your vehicle, your older model might not have the new bells and whistles that you want. A newer vehicle might provide benefits that your current ride does not such as:
There’s no specific length of time that you need to keep your vehicle. If any of these things ring true, it might be a good time to get a new car.
Contact any of the dealerships at Ontario Auto Center to learn more about a new or certified pre-owned vehicle that could be right for you and to schedule your test drive.
While great effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, errors can occur. Please verify all pricing information with a customer service representative. This is easily done by calling us or visiting us at the dealership.
Customer may not qualify for ALL Rebates shown. Some rebates are stackable and others can and cannot be combined. See Dealer For Complete Details.
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