Automobile Desk: In the Indian automobile market, when the odometer of an old car crosses the 1 lakh or 2 lakh kilometer mark, then most of the car owners start thinking of replacing it. It is a common belief that after traveling such a distance, the engine of the vehicle becomes weak and it is bound to incur huge maintenance expenses. However, considering the modern technology and better quality of vehicles, it is not entirely correct to assume that every long-running car has been turned into junk.
The actual age of a car is not determined by how many kilometers it has traveled on the road, but by how well it has been maintained. If a vehicle is regularly serviced on time, engine oil is changed at regular intervals and parts like suspension and brakes are taken care of, then it can perform smoothly even after running 2 lakh kilometres. On the contrary, without proper care, even a car driven just 50 thousand kilometers can develop serious technical faults.
In such a situation, instead of taking a hasty decision of selling the car just by looking at the odometer reading, its current mechanical condition should be carefully assessed. If you do not feel any hesitation while driving the car and the engine is running without any unusual noise, then it is not a loss deal to use it for a few more years.
However, there are some clear signs which ignoring can prove harmful. If the vehicle has to be taken to the garage repeatedly and a huge amount of money is being spent on repairs every month, then one should be alert. Problems like smoke coming from the engine, oil smell from the silencer, difficulty in gear shifting or frequent low engine oil level indicate that the main mechanical parts are now worn out.
It is beneficial to adopt a practical mathematics while making decisions. Do a comparative study of your car's current resale value and potential repair costs. If the cost of overhauling or major repairs of the car is reaching a large part of its current market value, then instead of investing more money in the old car, it can be considered a wise move to invest in a new car by exchanging or selling it.
Finally, have the vehicle's engine compressor, gearbox, suspension and chassis thoroughly checked by a trusted and experienced mechanic. If the mechanic's report is positive and the maintenance cost is within your budget, then you can continue traveling with your old car without any hesitation.