A new car or used car: 5 Ways to be content with what you have!

No matter what kind of car you have, if you don’t have the right mindset, it can always seem like there’s another car out there that’s better than what you have. Just as with anything else in life, feeling happy about your car starts with you. You don’t have to run out and buy or lease a top-of-the-line car if you’re not happy with your car now, because eventually you’ll find things you don’t like about your new car either.

Happiness with anything in life starts with your attitude first and radiates outward to everything else. So if you want to achieve inner peace about your car, start with the small things. Appreciate what you do like about your car, and make an effort to take care of it just as much as you would if it was your dream car. And remember, the grass always seems greener on the other side of the fence. If you’ve got a fuel-efficient car, there will always be cars with bigger and stronger engines, and if you’ve got an amazingly powerful and spacious SUV, avoid the temptation to look enviously upon the fuel efficiency of cars with 3- and 4-cylinder engines.

Rule #1: Keep Your Car Clean

When you treat your car as if it were already the car of your dreams, you’re setting yourself up to feel happier with any kind of vehicle you may have, now or in the future. Additionally, you’ll enjoy looking at your car and riding in your car if you keep it clean and looking as new as possible. Make the time to clean your vehicle’s interior and exterior on a regular basis, or bring it to an auto detailing shop to have it professionally cleaned.

Rule #2: Get Regular Maintenance

You’ll be more content with your car, no matter what type of car it is, if you get regular maintenance work done at recommended intervals. Whether you’ve got a top performer like a Porsche, a reliable budget vehicle like the Hyundai Getz, or an old clunker that barely runs, getting regular maintenance work done on your vehicle will keep it running well. Regular maintenance decreases breakdowns and the need for emergency maintenance. You’ll feel happier with your car if you don’t have to pay for expensive repairs that could have been prevented.

Rule #3: Don’t Fall into the “Grass Is Always Greener” Trap

The grass always seems greener somewhere else. Similarly, it’s easy to fall into thinking that if you just had a different car, you’d be happier with your vehicle. To increase your happiness with your current vehicle, remember that no vehicle is truly perfect and that every car, truck, SUV or motorcycle has benefits and drawbacks. High-end manufacturers make some amazing vehicles that are real jaw-droppers, but they are often terribly expensive to maintain. Smartcars may have some of the highest fuel efficiency ratings, but they also leave a lot to be desired in terms of space and power.

Rule #4: Appreciate Your Vehicle

Since every vehicle has positives and negatives, if you want to be happier with your car, focus on the positives. If your car gets amazing gas mileage, remind yourself of that when you’re driving, and cultivate gratitude that you don’t have to spend a fortune in gas. If you’re vehicle has a superbly comfortable interior, think about that when you’re riding in your car and remind yourself of how much you enjoy it.

Rule #5: Remember Why You Bought Your Vehicle in the First Place

You can increase your happiness level with your vehicle by taking the time to remember what motivated you to buy it in the first place. If you got a station wagon or a sedan to accommodate your family, remember that you had that goal in mind when you acquired the vehicle. Remembering the qualities that motivated you to purchase your vehicle can make it easier to feel gratitude for what you have and avoid the “grass is greener” syndrome.