Amelia Grant

Even with the safest driving and regular maintenance, your vehicle can’t last forever. Road hazards and daily wear and tear gradually compromise every vehicle on the road. If your old car is starting to feel unsafe, you may be thinking if it’s time to get rid of it. 

Continue reading to discover the seven major signs you should sell your worn vehicle and get a new one instead. 

1. You don’t feel safe in your car

Are you expecting a new arrival in your family? Have you ever suffered a terrifying accident while driving? Both can cause you to be more cautious behind the wheel. While you may believe that seatbelts and airbags are enough to keep you safe, newer vehicles have advanced technologies that your old car most likely doesn’t. Backup cameras, lane assist technologies, and collision warning systems aren’t available in vehicles manufactured more than 10 to 15 years ago. If you want to feel safe, get rid of your unsafe junk car and replace it with a newer and safer one.

2. The value of your vehicle Is less than its repair cost

Are you spending more time with your local mechanic than with your friends? Regular visits to mechanics usually imply frequent and costly repairs. This scenario is probably all too familiar if your vehicle is old and beat-up. Minor fixes are usually OK, but you must draw the line someplace. First, figure out how much your vehicle is worth. If the full value is less than a recent repair cost, think thoroughly if the repair is even worthwhile. Broken windows and a faulty air conditioner can be overlooked, but an engine or gearbox with problems can’t and may not be cost-effective to fix. If it’s too expensive to drive, consider selling a car privately for cash. You can invest the earned money into a newer and more reliable one. 

3. Your check engine light is constantly on

While the check engine light may get illuminated for non-serious reasons like a loose gas cap, ignoring it is not a good idea. It's best to let the car go if you find yourself either ignoring the light or constantly visiting a mechanic for checking what the problem is.

4. Your car is severely rusted

A rusted car is not only unsightly, but it is also unsafe. While a little rust isn't a big deal, you should be cautious if your car has huge areas of rust. Rust on the undercarriage, which supports your vehicle, might cause it to break down. If the body rusts, fumes can start leaking inside, resulting in rusty gas or brake lines. These problems can lead to fatal consequences. 

5. Your car has traveled more than 150,000 miles

With regular maintenance, most vehicles can last for up to 15 years. However, if your car has traveled over 150,000 miles and is breaking frequently, repairs are unlikely to be worthwhile. With this mileage, your car’s transmission is at high risk of failing, gas lines may need to be changed, and coolant leaks are typically frequent. 

6. Your car is practically impossible to sell

Perhaps your car is still in good working order and has none of the aforementioned problems. If you can't find a single buyer, junking the car is a terrific method to earn cash while also getting the vehicle off your hands.

7. Your vehicle title is missing 

You can't legally sell your vehicle unless you have the title (or know where it is). Junking it is a great option if you want to get some money off of it before buying a new one.