To fix, or not to fix—that is the question.

Your next upgraded, affordable used car experience may be closer than you think.

After spending enough time in the car business, you’ll be asked two questions by almost everyone you know:

“Hey, can you keep an eye out for a good cheap used car?”

And…

“I have this older car and I’m wondering if it’s worth fixing up—what do you think?”

Let’s start with the first one. In the past, not going back all that far, if you found yourself looking for that under-$10k used car, there was a pretty good selection in the market. Depending on your budget, you could shop around, wait it out for a little bit, and find what you are looking for. Maybe it’s for your kid who is graduating, a second car for the family, or an upgrade to a new-to-you option for reliable transportation at an affordable price.

Those days are pretty much gone.

These days, shopping for a quality used car in that $10k price range can feel like searching for a unicorn. Are they out there? They seem impossible to find.

Now I’m no expert on unicorns but regarding the used vehicle search challenges, we are up against several factors: Longer purchase life cycles, increased car prices, higher interest rates, and so on.

For a variety of reasons, you will have a hard time finding a good vehicle in that $10k price range.

Trust me, I am the king of finding these cars.

On to the second question. I think this is what people really want to know:

How far should you go with investing in your current (likely older) vehicle and ultimately, how can you get that upgrade you are looking for?

In the past, we would likely tell you, “Don’t invest that much,” and please see question #1.

But now, with all the factors and challenges in the market, we encourage folks to consider doing a makeover and remodeling the vehicle they have, If possible.

Depending on how much the service and repair costs are and how much the car is worth, it may be worthwhile to invest more into it than you would in years past. Even up to almost its actual value because when you are done, you will have something clean, reliable, and nice looking for less than you would spend on a newer vehicle—a newer vehicle that may be nonexistent at that same investment level.

Here are some tips:

1. Take your vehicle to a trusted, reliable repair shop to have it inspected and get recommendations for all the mechanical, maintenance, and wear items (suspension, brakes, exhaust, air conditioning, timing belts, belts, hoses, and fluids).
2. Have the frame inspected. If the frame is bad, go no further.
3. Have the brake and fuel lines inspected. This is not a deal breaker but if they are bad, you need to address it.
4. Get a complete assessment of the vehicle’s condition and a quote for the services required to meet your goals.
5. Compare this quote to your budget for replacing the vehicle and also against the vehicle’s value, both in its current state and if you repair it.

Investing in repair/maintenance upgrades will not add much resale value, but it will give you peace of mind and value per mile as you’re using and relying on the vehicle.

If the numbers look okay (and I suggest giving it “the works”) then move forward but not before considering a couple of additional suggestions — get figures on some upgrades:

1. 1. Consider new wheels (cool ones!) and tires for a noticeable upgraded look.
   2. Get quotes for addressing some minor cosmetic issues: touch-ups, scratches, and minor rust.
   3. Tint the windows.
   4. Upgrade the entertainment system, add Apple Carplay or Android Auto, install a backup camera, etc.
   5. Get it detailed, inside and out. We can help.

You may end up with an upgraded, affordable, and dependable vehicle you can fall in love with all over again.

If you have questions, we have answers. Connect with our team at BrakeAndAlignmentPlus.com or BillMarshBodyShop.com.

Be safe and keep it movin’…

– Rusty Fender