Let’s face it- most of the best new or used cars to buy are expensive. However, there comes a point when it could be time to make the leap and begin considering purchasing another vehicle. Still, no one wants to get rid of a perfectly good model that may only have a few issues that require occasional visits to auto mechanics. Still, other issues, such as transmission problems, may mean it’s time to go to a dealership. Here are three signs your car might be nearing the end of its life.

It may be time to consider new cars if you have high repair costs

One of the signs that you may need a new car is if it needs several trips to auto mechanics. Specifically, this is the case if the car always breaks down and needs expensive repairs. These are things like engine and transmission problems, various leaks, and having to take certain precautions to ensure you don’t get stranded. Some drivers have to budget for repairs on a monthly basis, which makes getting one of the best new or used cars to buy an attractive option. 

No one wants to end up with a monthly car payment, especially if they have long paid off their current vehicle. Still, the peace of mind that can come from having a more modern car could be worth it for financially secure people. Additionally, some may look at what they spend on repairs each year and realize that car payments may be cheaper. According to Consumer Affairs, car owners should expect to spend about $900 per year for maintenance.

Spending more on gas

For the most part, cars maintain their fuel economy as the years pass. However, there can be situations where that isn’t the case. Vehicles that haven’t been properly maintained can see sharp declines in gas mileage per gallon. This is also true for some modified cars. Some changes can alter how efficient a vehicle is. 

The main issue is that many older cars aren’t as efficient as their younger counterparts. This is because the industry has changed. There is now more of an emphasis on making cars that make trips to gas station pumps cheaper. Of course, there is still a focus on prioritizing performance. 

You feel less safe

Safety is paramount for all cars, not just new ones. Sadly, older vehicles lack many of the safety features that help make drivers feel comfortable with more advanced options. This includes rearview cameras, more airbags, electronic stability control, etc. Many of today’s vehicle safety features are optional, but there’s no denying that, in most cases, older vehicles are less safe than new ones.