Your current car’s repairs exceed 50% of its market value or if critical safety features (like AEB) are missing.
Deciding whether to buy a new car or keep your current one depends on rather than just the monthly payment. In 2026, market conditions show a shift toward more inventory and stabilizing prices, though high interest rates remain a hurdle. 🏁 Quick Recommendation 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) Your current car’s repairs exceed 50% of its
: If annual maintenance and non-routine repairs average over $3,000, they likely outweigh the depreciation hit of a newer vehicle. buy a new car or not