Repair or Replace? How to Decide What to Do with an Old Car
Do you have an older car that needs a major repair? You might be wondering if its worth the money, effort, and time to repair your vehicle or if youre better off replacing it entirely.
Deciding whether to repair or replace a vehicle isnt always easy. But, there are questions you can ask to determine which choice is right for your situation.
Whats the value of your car?
You can use a website like Kelley Blue Book to estimate the value of your car in its current condition. Then, call mechanics to determine what it would cost to repair your vehicle. Some of the most expensive car repairs include engine and cylinder damage, transmission issues, suspension, and head gasket replacement. If you have a hybrid car, replacing the battery can also be a significant expense.
Ultimately, if you find that the cost of repairs exceeds the value they could add to your vehicle, think twice before paying for the repairs. For example, if your car is worth $4,000, but the repairs cost $2,000, youre probably better off skipping the repairs and moving on to your next vehicle.
Are you able to make repairs yourself?
Some car repairs are relatively inexpensive and easy to manage if you have some experience. If you decide to go this route, be sure to factor in the cost of parts and tools youll need, along with the time you spend fixing up your car. It may not be worth all the effort in the end! You should also find out if other major repairs will be required in the future, which could impact your decision to keep your current car or get a different one.
Does reliability matter to you?
Having reliable transportation is important for many reasons. If youre like most people, you need a way to get to work, school, and places like the grocery store. Plus, you want a vehicle that feels safe for your family. If your car is unreliable and at risk for breaking down, it might be time to look into getting an upgraded vehicle instead of repairing the same one over and over again.
Ready to get rid of an old car? Donate it to Goodwill!
If youve decided you no longer want to deal with your old car, donating it to Goodwill is a great solution! At Ohio Valley Goodwill, we make it quick and easy to donate a car in Cincinnati. We accept cars, trucks, vans, RVs, motorcycles, and even boats in any condition, so you dont need to worry about fixing up your vehicle before you donate. All you have to do is take your vehicle to one of our convenient donation sites or contact us to arrange a tow FREE of charge!
Your donated vehicle will be auctioned at our weekly Goodwill Auto Auction, where the revenue helps support life-changing job skills training and employment services for individuals with disabilities and others facing barriers to employment. When you donate a car to Goodwill, you also become eligible for a tax advantage while helping to support our mission.
Even if your car is in less-than-ideal condition, you can still donate it to Goodwill and know youre making a difference in your community. To get started today, simply fill out our donation form. Thank you for your support!
