5 Telltale Signs That You Need a New Vehicle

Cruising down the highway, it may suddenly hit you: the vehicle you’re traveling in isn’t cutting it anymore. It makes sense, seeing as you may have been driving this vehicle for years, clocking in miles on the interstate with all of the trips it’s taken in its lifespan. Although it’s been a devoted travel companion for you for quite some time, there are signs that it’s time to say goodbye to Old Trusty and start shopping around for a car that’s better suited to your needs.

When you’re looking for used car dealerships in Cincinnati, there’s no better place to shop than McCluskey Chevrolet when you want to ensure your complete satisfaction with your next vehicle—and all at an affordable price. So, if you’re on the fence about trading in your vehicle for something better, take a look at these signs that it just may be the right time to park a new vehicle in your driveway.

1) Your Vehicle Is Becoming Unreliable

It’s only natural that, with everyday wear and tear and overall age, your vehicle’s ability to provide a dependable ride will start to slip after years of constant use. You may be experiencing more sudden or frequent breakdowns or the inability to start your engine on the first try; this is one of the main indicators that it’s time to bid farewell to your vehicle in favor of a more reliable model. It’s a general rule of thumb that more than two breakdowns a year are cause for major concern. Not only does this mean a massive inconvenience for you, especially when you’re on your way to work or some other consequential moment, but it also means unexpected costs.

It’s recommended to keep up with routine maintenance from the very beginning to help extend your vehicle’s lifespan and keep your vehicle’s performance at optimal levels. Even if you do everything right, however, vehicles simply get old and worn and will eventually need to be replaced. If you’re unable to count on your vehicle to get you where you need to go, or if you’re constantly worried about the integrity of your vehicle, it’s time to start shopping for a car that won’t let you down.

2) Your Vehicle Doesn’t Meet Your Needs Anymore

If there’s one thing we know all too well is that life changes, sometimes unexpectedly. When you first bought your car a number of years ago, it may have been perfect for your needs, but circumstances may cause this vehicle to become severely unable to meet your current driving requirements. You may be starting a family, which calls for a larger vehicle—like a minivan or an SUV—to help you transport your kids to all the places they need to be. Maybe you accepted a job that requires a longer commute, and your large gas guzzler isn’t going to work for your new drive, which calls for an efficient sedan or crossover to accompany you to your new place of employment. You may be in need of a tough truck to help you take on large and heavy hauls on the job site, and your current light-duty option isn’t going to be able to handle the heat.

These are just a few scenarios that may prompt you to start shopping around for a vehicle that can meet your new conditions. On the other hand, maybe your current vehicle class still meets your needs, but the model is vastly outdated. After all, with all the innovative tech and safety features found in modern vehicles, it’s only natural to want to enjoy these features in your own car, which may warrant a trip to the dealership to check out the new inventory of vehicles.

3) Efficiency Is Decreasing

As we welcome a new lineup of vehicles each year, it seems as though they get better and better as time goes on, especially when it comes to fuel efficiency. It’s true that the newer the vehicle, the more fuel-efficient it has the potential to be, so if you’re rolling your eyes every time you see your gas light come on—and it’s doing so more and more frequently—then it may be time to shop for a more efficient car.

You’re able to maximize efficiency in your vehicle by staying on top of maintenance services, like oil changes, but as time goes on and parts wear out, your vehicle is less able to keep up with the wear of old age, and efficiency will start to slip. If you’re finding yourself at the gas station more frequently these days, it’s not your imagination. It’s time to start shopping for a vehicle that prioritizes efficiency so that you can keep more money in your pocket and avoid price gouging at the pump.

4) Costs Are Adding Up

As we mentioned before, as your vehicle ages, repairs will begin to be more prevalent, which will result in added costs to keep your car running safely. Most drivers aren’t prepared for this, so when the repair bill comes in, their stress levels elevate as they try to figure out how they’re going to pay for costly repairs. Repairs aren’t the only rising costs associated with older vehicles, however, as insurance rates will rise in conjunction with your automobile’s depreciation. Insuring newer cars is cheaper, especially when they’re loaded up with advanced safety features and unmatched efficiency; the older a vehicle is, the less likely it is to meet these standards to qualify for lower premiums.

Although some states don’t require emissions testing, you know that Ohio isn’t one of them; this means that vehicles four years old and beyond must be put through emissions testing—and if your vehicle is older, it may begin to have a hard time passing these tests. If your vehicle can no longer pass an emissions test, this is a major sign that a new vehicle should be in your future.

5) Your Vehicle Is Becoming Unsafe

Let’s face it—all those advanced safety features found in today’s vehicles can really come in handy, especially when you have a lot on your mind after a hectic day at work. It helps to have an assistant on the road to warn you if you’ve crossed over into the next lane or if you’re dangerously close to another vehicle. Unfortunately, the older the car is, the less likely it is to have many of these helpful driver assistance features.

Another thing to consider is that older cars tend to break down more often, and it’s not always at the best times. Sometimes, it’s when you’re stopped at a red light or when you’re navigating through traffic, which can cause anything from a minor inconvenience to a serious accident. Avoid this by getting behind the wheel of a vehicle that’s safe and reliable.

Time to Buy a New Vehicle

Whether your vehicle isn’t working for you anymore or you’re concerned for your safety on the road, there are many reasons to start shopping for a new vehicle. Here at McCluskey Chevrolet, we understand that our drivers need to be able to choose from a lineup of vehicles that are safe, dependable, and meet their needs, with all the features required to enhance the drive in every way.

Stop by and explore our offerings to find the model that meets your unique travel demands—and remember, no one should travel in a vehicle they can’t depend on. Everyone deserves to drive with the confidence that they’re safe. Our team can’t wait to help you find the ideal vehicle for you that will add quality, security, and unmatched reliability to your travels through Cincinnati and beyond.