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KEEP, SELL OR TOSS: YOUR NEXT CAR BUYING DECISION
American Pride Automotive • Aug 27, 2014
There comes a time in every vehicle’s journey when its owner has to make a choice about whether to keep driving it, put it on the market or lay it to rest. There are a few situations that may prompt the need for such a decision. You may encounter the prospect of a major repair, experience a life event like the birth of a child that calls for a bigger vehicle, or simply want a change of pace. You may know that it is time for a different vehicle, but choosing what to do with the old one can be overwhelming. Let us help.
WHEN (AND WHEN NOT) TO KEEP YOUR CAR
Remember that keeping a used car is almost always cheaper than buying a new or “new” used car. That’s why it’s important to make the distinction between want and need, and to make absolutely certain that a purchase is in your budget. If nothing is particularly wrong with the vehicle and/or the added expense of a new vehicle will be a stretch, consider sticking with your current vehicle for a while longer. That being said, a car with critical mechanical problems or sky-high mileage may no longer be a keeper.
Some costly issues that may not be worth fixing include the need for engine or transmission replacement. But don’t jump to conclusions. Sometimes when people see the high price tag of such a repair, they forget that it pales in comparison to the price of a new car. What if you just want something new and different? It might be smart to sell your car to an interested buyer.
WHEN TO SELL YOUR CAR
Like we said, putting a vehicle on the market is a smart choice for those who are simply ready for a change–especially if the car has retained significant worth over the course of ownership. There are several options for selling a car. You can put an ad in the paper or on Craigslist, auction it on a site like Ebay, or simply put it out front with a “For Sale” sign. Apart from putting the car on the market privately, also consider negotiating a trade-in at a local dealership (if possible) or let American Pride Automotive do the work for you. We buy all makes and models and are even willing to take a chance on vehicles in need of repair. Fill out our “Sell Us Your Car” form to inquire and schedule a free appraisal of your vehicle.
WHEN TO TOSS YOUR CAR
For very old cars with non-repairable problems or for vehicles in bad accidents (declared a total loss by the insurance company), the best option is sometimes to sell for parts and recoup what you can. Visit the DMV website to learn about how to legally declare salvage vehicles in Virginia.
No matter what you decide to do with your current vehicle, American Pride Automotive can assist in any part of the process. We can diagnose and repair mechanical problems, buy an older used car and even help you find the perfect new-to-you used car. Contact any of our three American Pride locations (Newport News, Williamsburg or Toano) to learn more.
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You’re driving home at night and it is raining cats and dogs. You can’t see but 20 feet in front of your car, but you’ve slowed down and are being extra cautious, so what could go wrong? Then you feel it. A sinking Cl-clunk. Maybe that “puddle” you saw ahead of you was deeper than just a puddle. Before you know it, your car is stalling in the high water in the middle of the road. Now what? First off, don’t panic. Turn on your hazards and crank the ignition once. If the car starts, make it dry land and pull over to assess the damage. If it does not start the first time, do not try to start it again. Doing so can result in a hydro locked engine and will likely necessitate the rebuilding or replacement of the engine. Unfortunately, if you find yourself stalling in water at all, your vehicle will probably need costly repairs. The best way to avoid water damage is to practice safe and smart driving in wet weather, which brings us to Part 2 of the Everything Auto “Blame it on the Rain” series (Find Part 1 here). Take heed of these severe weather driving tips: 1. TAKE NO CHANCES ON PUDDLES Even if the standing water ahead of you looks shallow enough to drive through, think twice. If the water is “rushing” or if other drivers are making a point to avoid it, don’t assume that your vehicle is the exception. Additionally, you never know the hazards that lay at the bottom of a puddle. Hidden potholes or debris can pierce your tires and jostle your alignment and suspension system. 2. IF YOU MUST TAKE A CHANCE, TAKE IT SLOW AND STEADY When you deem it necessary and safe to drive through water of questionable depth, go slowly. Speeding through a puddle, even a shallow one, can splash water into your vehicle’s intake and critically harm the engine. Like we mentioned last week, after driving through standing water, lightly tap your brakes to make sure they aren’t saturated and to dry them off. 3. KEEP A ROADSIDE EMERGENCY KIT HANDY Sometimes, no matter how careful you are on the road, accidents and vehicle malfunctions happen, especially in wet severe weather. That’s why it is extremely important to keep emergency supplies ready in the trunk for the worst case scenario. You can buy a preassembled one, but it is cheaper (and more rewarding) to assemble your own. What should you include? Edmunds.com provides an excellent comprehensive list of items, a few of which include: 12-foot jumper cables Four 15 minute road flares Two quarts of oil A gallon of antifreeze A first-aid kit. Find the rest of the list here We hope that this series has given you helpful safety insights and tips for driving in the rain! Remember that American Pride Automotive is always here to help and ready to answer any and all of your auto repair and maintenance questions! Call or contact us today.
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