When Should You Scrap Your Car?
When should I scrap my car? Everyone has their own reasons for scrapping their vehicle but there are a few common threads. Obviously when it is damaged beyond repair in an accident or is an insurance write-off it is a perfect candidate. But what if there are less clear-cut signs such as unusual noises or buzzing sounds that even your mechanic cannot fix? If a regular tuneup schedule still does not solve the problem, remember that a car is made up of thousands of moving parts that will wear out. When rising maintenance costs start to exceed the car's worth then it is time to face the inevitable. Another sign is your car's inability to pass a Drive Clean assessment and steep costs to meet emissions requirements. Remember that driving a worn out junk car is a safety risk, and that is a risk not worth taking.
Another dreaded indicator is when rust is taking over your car. You can see it spreading around the wheel wells and body panel perimeters. Many consider it to be just a cosmetic issue but nothing could be further from the truth. Corrosion can eat away and compromise the structural integrity of the carbon steel frame of your ride. The car frame may not be able to withstand direct impact in the event of an accident.
Perhaps your car just isn't going as far on a tank of gas like it did before. Pre-1990 vehicles do not have the same engine efficiency as today's cars, and a switch to a similar new model will save you money at the pump. Saving fuel is not just another environmental concern, it is a valid financial concern especially considering the rise in gas costs over the past few years. There are hybrid and flex-fuel vehicles to consider; including the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt that will be released into the Canadian market in Fall 2011.
Often it is because of personal style – when a new car model comes out you may look at your old friend with less of a twinkle in your eye. Whatever reason you have, if you have determined that it is no longer worth spending money on it to keep it on the road then you should consider scrapping your car for cash. This frees up your driveway and will allow you to move on with your life!