How can I make my car feel new again? (I don't want to buy another)

[ronb]

I was watching Suze Orman and someone wanted to buy a new car. Suze told them to just repaint their Mustang if that will keep them driving it for a few more years.

My car is a 1999. Seems a bit ridiculous to spend a few grand repainting it. But I don't want another car either. Are there any cheaper things I should do to make me fall in love with her again?

P.S. the car is reliable - just not... interesting.

[disneysteve]

Have it professionally detailed inside and out.

[ua_guy]

Like DS said, a detail goes a long way.

If the seats are in bad condition, a high quality set of seat covers (installed correctly) will also freshen up a tired interior.

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

Have it professionally detailed inside and out.

Hmph! Never thought to do this!

[Fishindude77]

Good advice about getting it detailed. Heck, do it a couple times per year to keep it looking nice and get any overdue maintenance or repair caught up. So you have to put a grand or two into an older car? Many of your counterparts are paying $500 every month for theirs, and they don't even own them yet.

Virtually everything on an automobile can be repaired or replaced, and in reality you could drive the same one for 50 years or more with proper care.

[tripods68]

Have the professional detailed the engine bay like brand new engine.

Alternatively, get estimate for a professional change the upholstery if you don't like the old smell. Depending if you car model cloth or leather, you can have it customized to your favorite color/liking with fresh smell.

Stereo: If you have OEM stereo especially if you use iphone/android. I replaced my 2002 Hyundai with 170K stock OEM stereo replaced it with a new JVC head unit Bluetooth w/speaker for calling in/out for $250 installed. All I need is a cheap back up camera for $120 found online. My car feels 2015 modern marvel even its 13 years old.

Depending on the mileage 170K or older, check if its time to replace some of the busing include the engine mounts that may have deteriorated. Engine should be a lot quitter. Also look if the suspension are bouncy--often times after-market parts are better than OEM struts/spring with new tires. These are a bit costly $1500 (cheaper if you do the work yourself) and certainly improved and feel while riding like its new. I had to do all this few weeks ago with my SUV (among other things like changing the timing belt & new water pump). The point of all this, you can keep the car a lot longer now 1 year to 5 years outlook. But get an estimate first and shop around.

Save the amount that you would have to pay for a brand new car, then you can have all this done paid all CASH!

Good luck!

[bjl584]

I second the detailing idea.

I'd also look into doing some tune up service. Plugs, wires, timing belt (if it has one), transmission fluid, cooling fluid, etc.

[elessar78]

New floor mats. If you want/can splurge check out the WeatherTech fitted mats. They custom fit the floors of your car so, if you have soggy winters, you can keep the snow, grit, grime contained. For me, that makes the driving experience more pleasurable.

But yeah, when I was getting ready to sell my car, I almost didn't want to after it came back from getting detailed. I MAY have begged my wife to let me keep it.

[FLA]

I drove my car all day for work and have 2 kids, 2 dogs so it got yucky after a while. Every year, I'd wait for a good detailing coupon somewhere and get it done, felt so much better. You can even ask for "new car smell" as the fragrance they use, lol

[FLA]

if you live with lots of rain and snow, the LL Bean Waterhog (might have wrong name here, it's something close to that) car mats are awesome

[MonkeyMama]

We've always customized our stereos when buying a car. But then upgraded again recently for bluetooth and newer technology.

When my mom wanted a newer car (than 20 years) but didn't like anything, she had it reupholstered. Just things I can think of, but already mentioned.

I think a paint job is a good idea if it keeps you in an older car for a long time. If it works out from a cost benefit standpoint. The very first car I had I re-painted myself (NEVER AGAIN) but it was a 1980s model and I've since not had a car that had any paint peel or that I think would look better with a paint job.

[awalk123]

I personally like the stereo idea nothing like blasting music in your car.

[FLA]

welcome and your English is great!

[ronb]

Holy sh*t, you guys deliver! I'll go get the car detailed inside and out. I'm also going to have the front bumper fixed. It's been tweaked even since a balljoint broke and the wheel went smashing into it. That tweak has bothered me for far too long.