: If annual maintenance and non-routine repairs average over $3,000, they likely outweigh the depreciation hit of a newer vehicle.
While new cars offer peace of mind, they come with "invisible" costs that can derail your budget. What People Ignore About Buying New Cars buy a new car or not
: If a single repair costs more than half of the car's current market value, it’s usually time to sell. : If annual maintenance and non-routine repairs average
Your current car’s repairs exceed 50% of its market value or if critical safety features (like AEB) are missing. buy a new car or not
: If your car was built before 2014 , it likely lacks Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), which are now standard and significantly lower accident risks. The Financial Reality of New Cars (2026)