It’s generally better (or at least more economical) to maintain and fix up an old car than buy a new ride every five years or so.
Besides a good wash and wax, several new car-care products can restore and even repair two-part urethane paint. They won't get rid of scratches that penetrate the clear coat into the color layer, but they can do wonders with minor imperfections.
You don't have to add a lot of polished dress-up parts on an engine to get it to shine. A thorough engine cleaning can do wonders. Cover the air intake and electronics with plastic bags secured with a rubber band before using a high-pressure wash and/or engine degreaser.
Replacing a rusty and rattling exhaust system with a new aftermarket unit with chrome tips not only looks and sounds way better, but also can add significant power gains. So you'll actually feel the difference under your right foot.
Buying brand-new booties for your baby is always a great way to enhance both style and performance, but also consider using period-correct rims and rubber, especially on a classic car. Newer, low profile rolling stock sometimes projects the wrong persona, while old-school rules.
When considering affordable fix-ups, here's a good rule of thumb—literally. Go with items you can feel with your fingers, like console covers, shift knobs, and covers for the seats and steering wheel. A softer touch on older, worn parts makes them (and you) feel young again.
Live better through chemistry. Get some relief from those scaly parts by using a rust remover. Soak corroded components in an off-the-shelf solution for several minutes, and presto-chango, they'll look as good as new. Well, almost. You may need to apply a fresh coat of paint, too.
Adding a few simple accessories, such a light bar, brush guard, aftermarket grille or custom hood can dramatically change the image of an older model, transforming a tired truck into a proper pickup.
Paint tricks can really fool the eye, impressing onlookers with just a few simple techniques. Notice how the rims on this Nissan match the body color? And see how the two-tone paint scheme makes this Titan appear even bigger?
If custom paint is beyond your budget, or exceeds the value of vehicle then go for some graphics. Vinyl overlays or even just pinstripes can give your ride a custom treatment.
Last but not least, don't forget those somewhat less visible items, such as a custom cover for the differential. An aftermarket unit not only adds some bling, but also extra lube capacity and cooling fins for longer gear life.
10 Affordable Fix-Ups to Refresh Your Older Car
Keeping your car longer? Make it look and drive like-new again with these 10 affordable updates.
by Steve Temple
Car Care - Maintenance - autoMedia.com
It's no secret that we're all getting older—and so are our cars. Back in the late Sixties, the average age for vehicles in operation was about five years. Today, that number has now more than doubled.
Of course, this change is partially due to the higher total number of cars on the road, along with improvements in quality that allow for longer ownership before it ends at the wrecking yard. Add to that the struggling economy, which has stifled purchases of new vehicles.
Whatever the reasons, the trend is clear: the average vehicle age has been increasing rapidly over the last five years. So what does this statistic have to do with your family car? A few things, actually.
To start with, does it make more sense to keep and fix up your old car rather than to buy another one, either new or used? The answer varies with both use and condition. Obviously, the proverbial "little old lady from Pasadena" who only drives to church on Sundays can keep her grocery-getter way longer than the long-haul commuter slogging through daily rush hours in the rust belt.
Given those qualifiers, it's generally better (or at least more economical) to maintain and fix up an old car than buy a new ride every five years or so. The only exceptions might be if your vehicle is repeatedly breaking down, and parts are expensive and hard to find. That's even more the case if it's becoming unsafe to drive.
All that said, have you considered a cosmetic makeover? (For your car, that is.) After all, if your vehicle is showing its age, and you're planning to keep it longer, what can you do to give your older car a new lease on life?
Well, we've gathered a batch of affordable fix-ups, noted in the accompanying photos, to help you put a fresh shine on your old favorite. These aren't just gewgaws and gadgets, though. Many of them actually improve performance and personal comfort. Now, don't you feel younger already?
