An important realization that many of us come to at various points in our lives is the need or desire to purchase a new (or at least new-to-you) car. In many situations, it’s a necessary change, whether your old vehicle is just about ready to die, or you need a car with more space. There are a ton of different reasons that you may be looking to upgrade your transportation. Here are a few ways you can tell if it’s time for you to get a new car.

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5 Reasons to upgrade to a newer vehicle

Your car is costing you too much. Are endless repairs leaving your wallet empty? Is your vehicle costing you an arm and a leg at the gas pump? Sometimes the cost just isn’t worth it. Get repair estimates and use a fuel economy calculator to determine if investing in a new car is worth it.
You think your current model might break down soon. Rather than wait until you absolutely have to replace your car, it’s best to get ahead of the curve. That way, you can still potentially get a good amount for trade-in value. Not to mention, you won’t be forced to make a quick, unresearched decision out of necessity.
Your current vehicle just doesn’t work for you anymore. Whether you’ve added a few new members to your family or you sold the family boat, you may find yourself in a situation where your car simply isn’t working for your lifestyle. You can either upgrade to a larger, more capable model or downgrade to a smaller, more practical vehicle.
You want a safer car. Let’s face it, older models just aren’t as safe, especially now that advanced automotive tech is offered as standard equipment on most brand-new models. If your vehicle is without a backup camera, curtain airbags, or electronic stability control, it’s time to update. You may also want to consider opting for a vehicle with a pre-collision warning, emergency brake assist, lane-departure warning, and other similar features.
You’re looking to get more connected. Newer models offer a wide array of high-tech features designed to connect drivers and passengers on the go. Many models made in the last 5 years come standard with (or at least offer) a USB charging port, Bluetooth® connectivity, and even voice command capability. Even more recently, vehicles are available with phone integration and in-car Wi-Fi.

At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide when you need to upgrade your vehicle, but we hope these tips have helped you determine if now is the time. If you have any other questions about the car shopping process, feel free to contact our team at Toyota Vacaville or get in touch with your local car dealer.