Time to trade in???
Discussion
Firstly, hello everyone, I am new here though I have browsed the forums without a user name for some time...
I own a 54 reg Astra diesel hatch, whicih is coming up for it's 100,000 mile cam belt/water pump change, plus due an interim service. I've had the car 3 years, during which time i have only had to pay for a broken alternator and the usual servicing costs. In short, I am quite pleased with the reliability/lack of problems I have had with it.
That being said, I think I am due a new set of brake pads and possibly discs, the cam etc as mentioned, plus who knows what is lurking. I feel my luck may be due to run out with it basically.
I am allergic to spending my money, this is the big problem, plus I don't really have my eye on a car model that I would love as a replacement (2nd hand).
What would you do in my situation? the car is worth about £2000, the work needing to be done about £500 probably, so 25% of the car's worth. Should I just trade it in and find another car, or pay for the repairs and keep hold of it? Are cars likely to start picking up a bunch of issues at this mileage? I could drop about £10,000 on a second hand replacement for it... But like I said, I hate spending my money...
As you can probably tell, I am pretty confused about what to do and just need some advice really, any help is greatly appreciated and thank you for taking the time to read through this incoherent ramble...
I own a 54 reg Astra diesel hatch, whicih is coming up for it's 100,000 mile cam belt/water pump change, plus due an interim service. I've had the car 3 years, during which time i have only had to pay for a broken alternator and the usual servicing costs. In short, I am quite pleased with the reliability/lack of problems I have had with it.
That being said, I think I am due a new set of brake pads and possibly discs, the cam etc as mentioned, plus who knows what is lurking. I feel my luck may be due to run out with it basically.
I am allergic to spending my money, this is the big problem, plus I don't really have my eye on a car model that I would love as a replacement (2nd hand).
What would you do in my situation? the car is worth about £2000, the work needing to be done about £500 probably, so 25% of the car's worth. Should I just trade it in and find another car, or pay for the repairs and keep hold of it? Are cars likely to start picking up a bunch of issues at this mileage? I could drop about £10,000 on a second hand replacement for it... But like I said, I hate spending my money...
As you can probably tell, I am pretty confused about what to do and just need some advice really, any help is greatly appreciated and thank you for taking the time to read through this incoherent ramble...
Indeed, although unfortunate, all cars need maintaining at some point. You know this car well and £500 really isn't a big bill, even on a £2k car. Get the maintenance done and keep it for a bit longer. If you actually fancy a change in another 6 months time you'll sell it privately for £500 more with all that work done.
I hate to see cars not being maintained. I even give my snotters a decent service every now and then.
I hate to see cars not being maintained. I even give my snotters a decent service every now and then.
You hate spending money but would be willing to drop £10k on another?
Does not compute.
ALL cars will need work at some point in their lives and your new purchase will be no different.
All that you listed is wear and tear items but once you do them you should be ok for a few more years. Your car is obviously reliable and seems well cared for and you shouldn't be worried about hitting the 100k mile mark. The car will do double if cared for.
If you want a new car then by all means get one and enjoy it but I had a similar quandry a few years ago and changed cars a much newer one. The new car has been in the garage 3 times for work and now the aircon has packed up. My old Stilo was totally reliable but needed tyres,cambelt and brakes and like your astra, wasn't worth very much.
I still miss that car.
Does not compute.
ALL cars will need work at some point in their lives and your new purchase will be no different.
All that you listed is wear and tear items but once you do them you should be ok for a few more years. Your car is obviously reliable and seems well cared for and you shouldn't be worried about hitting the 100k mile mark. The car will do double if cared for.
If you want a new car then by all means get one and enjoy it but I had a similar quandry a few years ago and changed cars a much newer one. The new car has been in the garage 3 times for work and now the aircon has packed up. My old Stilo was totally reliable but needed tyres,cambelt and brakes and like your astra, wasn't worth very much.
I still miss that car.
Spend £500 on maintaining a car that has been otherwise reliable. Versus. Spend 20 times that on a used car that might have the mother of all bills just around the corner.
If you want a new car buy one, but don't expect to get a decent PX bid on a car needing work and don't expect to save any money.
If you want a new car buy one, but don't expect to get a decent PX bid on a car needing work and don't expect to save any money.
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