Piston Slap: Dear Honda, What is Love?
Baby Don’t Hurt Me. (photo courtesy: OP)
Chris writes:
Hello Sajeev,
Like many of the people who write to you, I am having trouble deciding if I should keep my current car or trade it in for a new one.
I currently own a 2010 Honda Civic EX-L with 140,000 miles. It has been the single most reliable car I have ever owned. I keep it meticulously maintained and generally change its oil every 6 to 8 weeks. Otherwise, I have only paid for a set of brakes and new tires.
A week ago, I test drove a brand new Honda Accord Touring and fell in love. The dealership has offered me an excellent deal that includes trading in my Civic. My dilemma is that I feel an allegiance to the Civic. The car has the soul of a toaster and is not exciting to drive, but like a trusty horse, it gets me everywhere I want to go without any complaints. The Civic will eventually need repairs as it approaches 200K but I feel like I would be letting it down by trading it away. On the other hand, I can easily afford the payments for the Accord, but I generally try to avoid debt.
What should I do Sajeev? Should I cut the Civic loose and replace it or keep on driving until she can carry me no more?
Sajeev answers:
Define that moment you “fell in love” with the new Accord. Love can be fleeting and loyalties/commitments break shortly afterwards.
Also consider the information given after that statement of love. I question your resolve: you feel like you’re letting down your Civic? You generally try to avoid debt?
No way are you in the game for a new car. Considering the mileage and your (rather aggressive) maintenance routine, the Civic is worth more to you than anyone else. Keep it until the repairs cost more than its value on the open market…or to you. Right now big-ticket repairs like transmissions, rust damage, blown head gasket, etc. are the only reasons you’ll change your course.
If that resonates with you, run with it.
[Photo courtesy of reader]
Send your queries to sajeev@thetruthaboutcars.com. Spare no details and ask for a speedy resolution if you’re in a hurry…but be realistic, and use your make/model specific forums instead of TTAC for more timely advice.
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Why the repair anxiety? Hondas rarely break and when they do they aren't that expensive to fix. Event at 250k miles, the car will be much cheaper to keep on the road than a new car payment. And now, this car is in its prime. The $/mile operating cost including depreciation will never be better. You have no interest payment. Keep the car. Save the money and buy something to tool around in on the weekend or whatever floats your boat.
Ya know... Time passes. Even just a few years ago I would be in the keep the civic camp, but as the number in front of my age approaches 60 perspectives change. Why did you get into the Accord touring - the 6 cyl top of the Honda line semi luxury car? Answer that one for yourself. You drive 28-35K a year so you will be needing a new car in 3 years tops. You decide what other places you want to keep the money - a second house, a Roth, a trip to Europe or wherever. If you and your partner agree on the new car just buy it and enjoy it. You could keep the civic for the work car and keep the accord for family, or not, whatever works. If you want and can afford a new toy and the Accord maximizes your personal utility why not?