Repair or Trade In My Vehicle in San Antonio, TX

Should You Trade In or Repair your Vehicle?

Do you drive a high-mileage car that's more than a decade old? Are you stressed about those hefty repair costs? Does your old ride break down frequently, leaving you stuck and running late for work? Every car owner eventually faces the tough choice of whether to fix their vehicle or trade it in. Getting a new car sounds great, but it might not always be the smartest move. If you've paid off your current car, you're free from those monthly payments. But when your car keeps breaking down, that shiny new option looks pretty appealing.

There are upsides and downsides to fixing your existing car and swapping it for something newer (or at least newer to you). Let's explore all your options so you can figure out what's best for you.

Benefits of Repairing

It's smart to check your budget before making a new purchase. Consider down payments, monthly installments, and rising insurance and registration costs on a fresh vehicle. Fixing up your old car will usually save you some cash compared to buying something new.

The worst thing that could happen is engine failure. However, even shelling out $4,000 for an engine replacement is cheaper than trying to scrape together a down payment on a new car. And don't forget those monthly payments that would come next. Moreover, that new engine will likely come with a warranty and should last you another 150,000 miles or so.

Remember, too, that when you buy something brand new, it loses value fast. A fresh set of wheels can drop around 22% of its worth in only the first year. You could take the money you'd spend on an engine replacement and get another used car instead. However, there's no guarantee it won't have its set of problems. At least with a used car, it's already taken most of its depreciation hit within the first few years.

Another benefit of fixing up your current ride is that you can squeeze out more years from it. By then, who knows? The market for new cars could shift in your favor. Keeping your old car running means staying on the road without rushing into big decisions about buying something else.

Benefits of Trading In

You can't guess when your old clunker will quit on you or what part will fail next. As cars age, they become real wild cards, leaving you anxious about the next time it'll break down and leave you in a lurch. Sure, your mechanic can whip up a list of repairs you'll need in the next few years, but honestly, that's only delaying the inevitable.

When you get a new car, everything's fresh and built to last way longer than some 10-year-old model. And if something goes wrong, your car will most likely be under warranty. If splurging on a brand-new car isn't doable right now, you can look into certified pre-owned vehicles. These cars have gone through inspections and come with warranties, so they offer the same peace of mind as new vehicles.

Another benefit of buying a new car is getting all the latest infotainment gadgets and cutting-edge safety features that can keep you and your family safe. Your old ride just can't compete with new cars' modern tech, like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Ultimately, you have to weigh whether dealing with your old car's quirks – like weird rattles and check engine lights – is worth it over saying goodbye to all its annoying little issues.

Trade Your Vehicle In at Red McCombs Ford

Whether you decide to have your car repaired or to trade it in, the experts at Red McCombs Ford can help you. If you're not yet ready to let go of your current ride, you can bring it to our service center in San Antonio, TX, for repairs. With our factory-trained technicians and state-of-the-art equipment, you'll be back on the road in no time. However, if you've finally decided to trade in your vehicle, we invite you to explore our online trade-in tools. You can also speak to any of our staff members if you have questions about the trade-in process.