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5.0 DRIVE YOUR AUTOMOBILE ONE MORE YEAR

==Average Discount = $1000

Drive your car for another year and save about $1000 each year. See end notes in Chapter 17.

Unless your car's body is rusting out, it is usually much cheaper to repair an older car than to buy a new car or even a used late-model vehicle. You know what repairs you've had already done. Why buy a new set of problems?

Many people are scared of driving an older automobile. They are afraid they'll get stuck with $1000s of repair bills and a vehicle that spends weeks in the shop. This is exactly what car dealers want you to think. Repairs and costs of repairs for older autos are generally predictable. We estimate you will save about $1000 each year over and above any repair costs.

5.0.1 THERE IS A TRICK, HOWEVER, TO STAYING HAPPY WITH YOUR OLD CAR

Keep it in good working order. Attend to problems early, don't let them drag on.

Driving a well running vehicle will help you avoid breakdowns and help you feel more secure. Also you will feel less tempted to dump your older auto with the loose door handle (that can be easily fixed) for a new one with door handles that work. (Believe me this can happen.)

In addition you should have a mechanic thoroughly check your car every two years. Fix everything.

Note: If your auto is suffering from serious rust problems, it is definitely time to get rid of it and buy another one. A rusty car can be very dangerous because the integrity of the body may no longer sound.

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