In Russia, the majority of the population has an income slightly above the minimum wage; affording to change a car every three years is an unaffordable luxury. The age of domestically produced cars is more than 14 years, and foreign-made models are 9 years old. But in megacities, people with above-average income, turning to banks for loans, allow themselves this approach to using a car.

Why 3 years

Where did this figure come from – three years? After this period of time, the owner of the car thinks about selling it. The manufacturer’s warranty expires, the engine, transmission, and chassis wear out. Breakdowns may occur. And I simply want a brand new car.

First of all, buying a new car benefits the automaker. Such qualities as reliability, strength, and endurance are no longer so important for a car. Now the main goal is to make a profit, a constant cash flow. It is convenient for the manufacturer and dealer for the buyer to purchase a car, leave the warranty period and return again to buy another one.

Benefits from buying a new car

• manufacturer,
• provider,
• dealer,
• service center,
• additional equipment department,
• insurance,
• bank,
• Traffic police

And the more often a purchase is made, the more money the above-mentioned organizations receive. That is why there is such a campaign to change the car. They offer good discounts. A program has been developed to accept an old car for the purchase of a new one (trade-in). And there are even rumors that after the factory warranty expires, the car will simply fall apart.

Although the latter has some basis. The fact is that many manufacturers indicate that their car will only last the warranty period. It is simply unprofitable to produce cars that will last forever.

And yet, is it worth exchanging the old for the new? Every year the initial cost of the car drops by 10-15%. During the warranty period, the car loses up to 50% in value. Minus interest on the loan, trade-in. As a result, the price of the car drops by more than half. Although during this time the new car only increases in price. What reason should there be to take such a loss?

technical issues

They are the main factor in the decision to sell a car after three years of use. Small malfunctions in the car have become a frequent occurrence. The on-board computer may malfunction, or extraneous squeaks and knocks may appear. This happens even with models from reliable manufacturers. All defects can be corrected using the warranty. But why do the car owner need extra problems? Here you should consider the causes of the problems. If the car left the factory with defects, you can go to court to have it replaced.

But more often it happens that regular breakdowns are caused by careless use. In this case there are two solutions:

• Repair the car and continue to use it
• Put it up for sale and buy a new car in exchange.

The second solution, although the simplest, is quite expensive, because you will have to add money to purchase a new car.

But there is no need to transfer the shortcomings of one car to the entire model range. Even machines belonging to the same brand have different performance characteristics. If one car constantly has problems, this does not mean that the same will happen to another car of the same brand.

Accident

Another reason for sale is an accident. After an accident, cars that are less than three years old are sold. In some cases, a car can be restored and put up for sale even after it has been in a bad accident and was completely damaged.

In this case, you need to compare several points and consider whether it is worth selling or repairing the car. And choose a convenient and less expensive option. Having insurance can play a decisive role. If it is there and the car is repaired, the owner decides what the next step is. You can continue driving it, especially if the accident was not serious. Well, if you have decided to sell, it is worth considering that a good price will not be given for a car that has been in an accident. Unless the buyer is technically savvy, then there is an opportunity to get good revenue.

Warranty period has expired

After the warranty expires, the car will certainly not fall apart piece by piece on the same day. But it won’t remain in the state it just came off the assembly line. The machine wears out. And the degree of wear depends on the care of the owner.

As mentioned above, the reason for selling after the warranty period has expired may be frequent breakdowns. If problems have constantly arisen for three years, and the number of warranty claims has exceeded all reasonable limits, the car should be sold as quickly as possible. It can only get worse.

In the case of a completely opposite situation, when the car works flawlessly, and the owner treats the car with care and constantly monitors its technical condition, the likelihood of severe wear and tear and serious malfunctions occurring after the end of the warranty is minimal. And if such a car is sold, the next owner will be very lucky.

Life situations

The reason for selling may be a change in life circumstances. For example, the birth of a fourth child in a family or moving to an area with difficult roads.

When a car cannot cope with the tasks assigned to it, of course, it is worth changing it. But it is necessary to clearly imagine the further purpose so that the new machine can cope with all the requirements. Do not confuse forced circumstances with whim. This will be discussed below.

I’m tired of the car

According to official surveys, this is the most popular reason for selling a car after three years of use. Of course, if finances allow, why not please yourself and your loved ones by buying a new car. But if the owner is strapped for money and also burdened with a loan, the desire to show off a brand new car model looks stupid.

Conclusion

Still, is it worth selling a three-year-old car and then buying a new one? A positive answer is possible in two cases:

1. Frequent technical malfunctions. There are serious doubts about the technical condition of the car, and large amounts of money are spent on repairs.
2. There are no financial problems, the owner can afford such a whim.

Other reasons should be considered separately for each specific case.