Carmentary.com

By Christina VanGinkel

As the owner of an older vehicle, one that has suddenly had a series of small issues, and a few larger ones, I have come to learn that wile there are perks to owning either a new or an older vehicle, there are also unforeseen issues that come with the older vehicles. Some issues that new vehicle owners normally do not have to deal with. There are also advantages. Read on as I ponder what it is I like so much about our older vehicle, and some of the things I do not.

Diagnosing Problems is not always Simple

Older vehicles can sometimes be difficult to diagnose when problems occur. They might have a host of sounds they make that you consider normal, but when a mechanic takes it for a ride, knowing what sound you believe to be a problem over the sounds that you as the driver have come to learn to live with, may be a problem in itself. Even explaining the different sounds to a mechanic might be a problem. You hear a sound, along with one that you long ago identified as nothing to get excited about, but to a mechanics ears, all they hear is that noise and not the new, worrisome sound you are listening to.

Just How Much is Too Much to Spend on Repairs

There is also the decision factor of how much are you willing to spend on a repair. Do you really want to spend X amount of dollars for a repair that might just be the beginnings of more issues? Or is that one somewhat costly repair, going to mean you get to keep driving your vehicle, at a cost savings over the long run, as you will not yet need to look at buying something newer or even brand new? When you paid less for the vehicle to purchase it, than what you are being quoted on a repair though, you can really be at a disadvantage on what to do. The mechanic might think the repair is worth it, yet you are at personal odds with yourself over a repair that to you is a small fortune.

From Oil Changes to Insurance Costs

Owning an older vehicle has its ups and downs. It advantages and disadvantages. Insurance costs are often deeply discounted when compared to what you would pay for a newer vehicle. Simple upkeep, such as oil changes and tires, might even be less. For example, my husband knows how to change the oil on his older model work truck. When he bought a new truck this past year, also a work vehicle, he realized that changing the oil on it was not as simple and straightforward as it is on the older model truck. While he could surely do it, the time involved is just nor worth the exchange, so he has decided that all the oil changes on the new vehicle will need to be down by a garage or oil change center, at a cost nearly double of what he can do the old truck for his self.

Your Comfort Level

There is also a comfort level of driving an older vehicle. You are not so worried about small dings, meaning parking in a crowded lot is not all that big of a deal, yet the thought of parking the new vehicle into a tight spot where someone is likely to bang their door against the side of yours, is just not all that pleasant. An older vehicle also routinely means no monthly payments. That alone is often enough of a factor to keep people driving what they are used to. Until the vehicle starts experiencing problems that is. Then it is time to make the decision to junk the vehicle or try to keep it running just a bit longer by fixing just that one more repair that you hope will mean you get to drive your older, but favorite vehicle for at least a little while longer.

Yes, a new vehicle has numerous pluses, with reliability a major one. So does an older vehicle, such as more money in your pocket. If you find you are somewhere between the two, take time to consider what differences you will encounter by upgrading, including the advantages you will gain by going ahead and retiring your old one.