How Many Years Should a Private Car Be Driven Before Replacing It?
2 Answers
Generally speaking, if a car's age reaches 5-8 years, it can be replaced, but if the car is in good condition, it can be used for up to 10 years before replacement. Below are some relevant introductions about replacing a used car: 1. Complete documentation is essential: To facilitate the replacement of your old car, before going to the 4S store for a replacement evaluation, make sure to check whether the vehicle's documentation is complete. 2. Choose a temporary vehicle: Generally, after replacing the old car, you need to go to the traffic management department to transfer the files, so prepare a temporary vehicle in advance. 3. Understand the vehicle's price: First, get an overview of the used car prices online or in the used car market as a reference.
I've owned several cars and found that the five to ten-year mark is a critical period. In the first five years, there are usually no major issues, but after six years, various minor problems start popping up, like tire aging and shock absorber leaks, which are annoying and costly to fix. If you encounter major repairs like transmission or engine overhauls, the cost can be as much as half the price of a used car. However, don't rush to replace your car too quickly. With advancements in automotive technology, a well-maintained car can easily last fifteen years. My neighbor's Japanese car is already seventeen years old and still runs smoothly for daily commutes—it all depends on whether you're willing to spend on regular maintenance. In my opinion, as long as the car passes the annual inspection and repair costs don't exceed half the car's value, keeping it for a few more years is more cost-effective.
