This is a question that we hear just about every day. . Certainly if you want to buy another car to have and enjoy a "new" car, than go ahead. Ultimately, this decision really IS up to you. If you feel that you need our blessing?... go ahead... you have earned it! No, really, sometimes we find that people just want that new car feel and that's okay.
Just about any car can be repaired. Our concern is to ensure that you aren't putting good money into a car that will not meet your transportation goals and objectives.
It has been our experience that cars don't
one day have an "
attack" and give up all together. None of that Hollywood stuff where the doors and hood fall off at the same time as the tires explode along with steam rushing from the grill. Mostly they just have more frequent needs that can sometimes compound upon each other to create a "situation" that requires the owner to make a decision that he/she may not want to make
at that time.
The August 2000 issue of Consumer Reports has a great article on this subject
complete with tables and a worksheet to help you with your decision to repair
or replace your older car. We try to counsel our clients to take a proactive
and objective view of their car and their own personal situation. Make an
informed plan and then try sticking with it.
Okay, we know that life is dynamic and conditions change. If you must keep the car longer than planned, at least you will be your choice.
What about your maintenance budget? Budget? That's right!
Whether its a bus, taxi or your car, there are inherent transportation costs in
creating personal mobility. Owners must understand this fact and plan for
it. We can help.
We would also stress to our clients and web visitors to have a "physical examination" of their car performed by someone who is well versed with Honda and Acura cars.
After the physical, sit down with your service provider and prioritize each
item, sort of like an "A" list, "B" list and so on. This way, together, a plan
will be formed to return the car to safe and economical condition while not
destroying your finances. Remember to consider the alternatives and
out-of-pocket costs.
The "Comprehensive Vehicle Inspections" are performed automatically and included with each scheduled service visit to Motor Works. Doing so ensures we keep up on all of the little details and conditions that need to be monitored on a regular basis.
We have clients that have well over 250,000 miles on their odometers and their cars are still running beautifully. We also have seen cars with under 90,000 miles that are about done. The difference between the two usually boils down to the maintenance history and the client's understanding of the benefits of having the proper maintenance performed.
So when should you replace your car? When you,
armed with your service provider's advice, are ready to.
Greg Skolnik