Buy a new car, or fix the old?

WITH THE ECONOMY in maximum “underdrive,” a new car may not be the top priority on some motorists’ lists. Instead, they’re looking to squeeze more miles out of the car they have. Driving an older car longer does save
money—about $11,000 if you keep your four-year-old car another four years instead of trading it, according to a recent study by management consulting firm Runzheimer International. And modern cars are so durable, easily reaching 150,000 miles before becoming too tired to drive, that buying a new car is sometimes more a matter of desire
than necessity. Instead, consider investing some of those savings in a minor makeover and Old Faithful could become almost as good as new, as well as safer and more reliable. Here are some suggestions.

First, fix it. Ask Autotrend Diagnsotics to give your car a thorough inspection. If the inspection uncovers a cracked cooling system hose, frayed windshield wiper or broken shock absorber, replace it. Remember that annoying power window that seems to work only during a full moon? Repair it. And if the odometer shows between 60,000 and 90,000
miles, renew the engine timing belt before it breaks, demolishing both the engine and your bank account. Perform whatever routine service is due, as listed in the owner’s manual. During last October’s Car Care Month campaign, the Car Care Council, an automotive-repair trade group (www.carcare.org), found that one third of the vehicles inspected had low, overfull or dirty motor oil; a fifth had low, leaking or dirty coolant; a sixth had low, overfull or burnt transmission fluid.

Re-tire it. “New tires are the easiest, quickest and most cost-effective way to make an older car feel like new,” says Doug Kott, senior feature editor of Road & Track magazine. Tires with deep tread better grip the pavement, enhancing cornering ability. Thick tread adds to ride comfort because it absorbs irregularities in the pavement. And unworn
tires are less apt to aquaplane in the rain, a safety advantage. New tires also may reduce
interior noise and, when properly inflated, improve fuel economy. A tire pro can help you select tires that
will provide the attributes you deem most important. Tires fitted to new cars typically are optimized for long tread life and low noise levels, according to Kott. But if, say, responsive handling is more important to you, you might
choose high-performance tires, though they may wear quicker. Whatever you select, have the wheels aligned and the tires balanced.

Shine it “It’s psychological, but when I clean my car it seems to run better,” says Rich White, Executive Director
of the Car Care Council. It’s amazing how a professional detailing can make an older car look spanking new. Or do it yourself, beginning with a wash. Dish soaps strip wax from the paint; use soap made for cars. Dry with
pure cotton or special microfiber towels— they won’t leave swirl marks. If the paint doesn’t feel baby-bottom smooth, use cleaning clay on the surface. Follow with wax to protect the paint. Touch-up paints that exactly match your
car’s color are available from your dealer. A “paintless” dent-removal service can quickly
remove parking-lot dings. Vacuum the interior and use automotive vinyl or leather treatments, or cloth shampoo, on the upholstery.

Accessorize it. Seat covers and a fresh set of floor mats will spiff up the interior. Install a set of fancy wheels, a GPS, an aftermarket sound system, Bluetooth hands-free kit or an iPod adapter and your old car will really seem special again. Then …
Enjoy it!

Check back next week for more information from Autotrend Diagnostics.