Car question / keep or change

[element926]

Hello,

I want to get some opinions on whether or not I should keep or sell my car.

Current situation:
- I have a 2013 Audi A4 with 34K miles on it.
- The loan was just paid of 45k originally, purchased in Nov. 2012.
- My warranty expires this November (4 year mark)
- I will likely need to replace the tires in a year ($800+/- expense).

The car overall has been good with no major issues. I did have an early issue that the dealer took care of via the standard warranty. I don't drive too much, around 8-10k miles per year. My real concern is having such an expensive car to upkeep. Premium gas, expensive tires, synthetic oil and really most importantly if something breaks = $$$$

My ask is should I keep the car and take the chance or purchase a different (more reliable car). I'd like an SUV and preferably a brand I could just do normal maintenance on and know it will be reliable. My eyes right now are on a used 2014 Toyota 4Runner with 26K miles (33k).

I have 22k +/- in equity on this car that would go towards the new car. So the real question is....

Keep my current car and take the chance.

Or

Purchase a new car that will cost more upfront - but will LIKELY be more reliable long term.

Thoughts?

Thank you!

[greenskeeper]

your AUDI will probably need major PM service around 100-120k miles correct?

at your current rate of driving (10k/yr) you won't hit that for another seven years.

Hold on to the car and put aside a portion of your old car payment towards repairs.

What is more likely is you already are tired of the car and want something different?

[element926]

Great point. I could easily save some of these payments and save it for repairs + the money I save for not upgrading.

As for me being tired of it eh...not necessarily. Would I rather and SUV? Yes. But this is a very nice car so I'm definitely happy with it.

[tripods68]

I bought a Nissan Sentra SV cheap reliable car for my commute. Love it so far paying $24 to fill up the gas tank.

[disneysteve]

Hold on to the car and put aside a portion of your old car payment towards repairs.

Plus the $11,000 price difference you were prepared to spend. That alone will cover a lot of those maintenance costs that you're worried about.

Keep the car. Drive it for many years payment-free. You'll certainly come out way ahead financially.

Next time you buy a car, think more about the costs and your desires before choosing what to get so that this situation doesn't happen again.

[TexasHusker]

You're buying a lot of German car hype ...

- Use regular unleaded. I've had a ton of premium only cars that I never used premium in.

- A good set of Michelins are expensive for a Nissan or an Audi. It makes no diff.

- Get your fluids changed at Walmart. It will be about 80% less than your Audi dealer.

- Get your brake pads and timing belt changed out at a local, independent shop for half or less than the dealer.

- Major Service is code for oil change, new coolant, new air filter, new timing belt, vacuum in inside, wash and dry the outside, and charge you $1300 for the privilege. (Ripoff - it is a car, not an aircraft)

[element926]

Sounds like everyone is in agreement the best financial decision is to keep this car. I appreciate the insight and definitely makes me feel more comfortable.

[GoodSteward]

I agree with everybody else. The idea of possibly saving money later is out weighted by the guarantee of spending more money now on another car, that also has the potential for repair. There is no guarantee you won't have to turn around and spend money on the next one too, but then you'll have a payment to deal with on top. Enjoy having a nice , paid for car and just be prepared for a repair.