Nearly every used car owner is faced with a decision at some point: Do you repair or replace your car?

On the one hand, you’ve driven that car for years and have become personally attached to it. On the other, keeping it on the road is beginning to take a toll on your wallet. The question of whether to repair or replace your used car can be answered by asking some additional questions, such as the ones below.

Questions to Ask Before Repairing or Replacing Your Used Car

Is the car still safe?

If your car is so old and out of shape that it’s unsafe to drive, then it’s time to replace it — no matter how attached you may be. Don’t jeopardize your safety or the safety of others for the sake of sentimental value.

Is the car still reliable?

Let’s face it: A vehicle that’s on the verge of being replaced is meant to get you from point A to point B, and little more. If you don’t trust the car and you risk being stranded on the side of the road any time you leave the driveway, it might be time to cut ties with it.

Does the math add up?

Add up the repair costs of your vehicle over the last year and calculate the monthly average. Now add in your monthly car payments (if you have any). Next, figure out what your car payments might be if you were to replace your car.

You might find that you can save money by replacing your car and reducing all those costly repairs. One rule of thumb to follow: If the cost of a repair is greater than the value of the car or the amount of one year’s worth of car payments, it’s time to replace it.  

How many miles are on the car?

There are certain parts of a car that typically fail around a particular mileage mark. If you’re on borrowed time with a few key (and costly) parts, you may be driving a ticking time bomb. Replacing it now while it still runs might be better than waiting for it to break down.

Repair or Replace at Jack Daniels Audi

Whether you decide to repair or replace your used car, you can do it at Jack Daniels Audi of Paramus in New Jersey. Check out our cars for sale in Paramus, NJ, if you think you’re ready to replace your car. If you think you might hold onto it and repair it, visit our Service Center for information or to schedule an appointment.  

There’s no universal answer of whether to repair or replace a used car. But there is one universal place to do it.