If you are shopping for a new car, you may be tempted to look at a used vehicle in order to save some money. Though it would still be new-to-you, a used vehicle may end up costing more than a car driven off a lot, especially if it needs major repairs within the first few months. Here are some of the most expensive things to fix on a car.

The Transmission: $4,000-$5,000

If something is seriously wrong with a transmission, you should recognize the signs when taking the vehicle for a test drive. The wheels on a vehicle without a proper functioning transmission won’t be able to turn correctly.  Because of the direct relationship to the engine and driveshaft, this part of the vehicle gets more wear and tear than other parts.

The Suspension: $2,500-$3,500               

The suspension is an important part of a vehicle, keeping passengers from getting jarred around every time the vehicle hits a bump or dip in the road. Taking your vehicle in for yearly car suspension maintenance Houston TX mechanics can offer can reveal a problem before it gets too bad. There are many parts to the overall suspension system, and any number of things could happen to just one piece.

The Head Gasket: $2,000

When people “blow their gasket,” it speaks to an individual overheating and being so angry that steam comes out their ears. When your car blows a head gasket, white smoke will billow out of the engine and exhaust, and the gasket location may spew oil and coolant. The mess is just one of the problems. The car can overheat causing a domino effect of malfunction on other engine parts. The part itself is cheap to replace, but the labor costs are outrageous for this time-consuming repair.

When you think of the cost to repair certain parts, that car you want may not be worth it. Buying new could be the best financial decision, as well as the safest.