When is it Time to Replace Your Car in California?

Most of us have been there. You’re sitting in your ol’ faithful. The car or truck that has carried you so many places, been there for you, and never complained no matter how you treated it.

You’re wondering if it's time to part ways. It's a tough decision to make, saying goodbye to a car that's been with you through thick and thin. But, there comes a time when it's best for both you and your four-wheeled companion to move on. 😞

When should you get a new car? Let’s talk through the practical signs of turning a chapter.

1. 1. Mounting Repair Bills

• Is your car turning into a money pit? Emotions may run high, but more frequent trips to the mechanic and ever-rising costs can be a clear sign that your beloved ride is nearing the end of its road.

• The cost of repairs eventually will outweigh the financial value of the car, even though the car is invaluable to you. 💵
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• While we can’t simply fill the hole in your heart with a new car, Express Auto Auction is here to prevent a hole in your wallet. Don’t waste lots of money on used cars that may or may not be reliable. Auto auctions, especially where donated cars are much of the inventory, as is the case at Express Auto Auction, often beat the prices of used car dealerships.
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• Remember, not all used cars come in pristine condition. But you’re used to that.

1. 2. Declining Reliability

• Sad but true: cars don’t run forever. Reliability starts to wane. The good news is that you can greatly extend the life of your gas or electric friend by taking good care of it. 🚗
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• These 3 cars makes will usually last longer than other brands.
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• Owning a car is not solely financial, but economics is an essential part of decision-making. Track how often you make a repair and how costly the repair is, then compare those costs and projected one against buying a newer car or one with fewer miles. Check out our reliability guide on what to look for.

1. 3. Poor Fuel Efficiency

• Gas has spiked again as of this article, and no one is EVER HAPPY about rising gas prices. So if your beloved is simply falling behind the fuel efficiency times and the pump, rather than the repairs, are burning a hole in your wallet, then looking for a fuel-economy car is not a bad idea. ⛽
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• We’ve got an overview of the most fuel efficient cars for San Diegans.
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• And, for all the truck enthusiasts out there, check out our used truck fuel economy guide.

1. 4. Safety Concerns

• As technology advances, so do vehicle safety features. Airbags, anti-lock brakes, or electronic stability control, don’t always come standard in older used cars, or are broken. 
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• Don’t put your safety or that of your passengers at risk because your heart breaks to let go. Our San Diego auction lot has plenty of cars between 5–10 years old that come standard with advanced safety features because it’s 2023 already and safety has been a thing for a while.
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• Browse our inventory!

1. 5. Mileage Milestone

• Every car has a lifespan, and it's often measured in miles. 🛣️
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• If your car is pushing 250,000 miles or more than that lifespan may be almost up. Older cars with high mileage are more prone to breakdowns and can be costlier to maintain.
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• Our auction lot includes mileage in the condition report. Mileages vary from under 75,000 to over 300,000! Take a look at what is considered good mileage for a used car, then bookmark our inventory page.

Yes, we know there may be tears, perhaps memories shared, and even a handwritten letter to your car 😢, but when you know when to replace your old car with a slightly…less…old…car ahem, anyway, then you can start to make a smart decision, choosing a good brand, model, and stopping by Express Auto Auction in order to save a lot of money and support charity!

See you on the lot! ✌️