If you have had your current vehicle for a while, there may come a time when you wonder if it's time for an upgrade. Whether you get a new or used car, there are certain signs that point to getting an upgrade. You may have a lot of repairs on your current car or notice that it just isn't running how it used to. Here are some signs that it is time to start looking for another vehicle.

You Can No Longer Afford Repairs

Have you noticed that the last couple repairs you got on your vehicle are considerably higher? You might even find that you barely had enough to cover the cost of repairs or that you considered just letting the car go. These are some big red flags that it is time for a new car. While you don't need to replace your vehicle every time it is in the shop, there comes a time when the money spent on repairing your vehicle could be more useful as a down payment for a new car.

The Car is Spending More Time in the Shop

Another sign along the same lines is that your vehicle is spending more time in the shop than being driven. Needing a minor repair once a year is not unusual, but if you had to bring it in for three different things in the last month, that is a sign it's time to let it go. Perhaps you can trade it in at the dealership, or sell it to someone who is experienced at fixing cars. They get a car and parts to use, and you will be able to use the money for an upgrade.

It is Running Out of Gas More Frequently

There are two main problems with older vehicles and fuel: they have terrible fuel economy, meaning you need more to fill it up and it has less gas mileage, and the gas mileage actually decreases when it gets older. This isn't from age as much as it is how the car is running and needing repairs. You may notice that the more times you bring it into the shop for fixes, the lower the gas mileage gets. This is because your car is just not running how it used to and is starting to burn more fuel than it once did. It is another sign that you should get another vehicle with better gas mileage.

It is Bad For the Environment

The earth's precious resources may be wasted when you're burning more gas than you used to, but an older car may also be bad for the environment if it releasing toxic fumes into the air. If your vehicle is not running great, it is probably leaking fumes from the hood or the exhaust. It might also be leaking fluids, such as transmission fluid or oil, onto the ground that is further reducing your carbon footprint. Many new vehicles, even those that are not hybrids, are much better for the environment.

To browse for some affordable used cars, visit a dealership, such as Lee Kinstle GM Sales & Service.