Owning a car can be a significant expense, and after rent or mortgage payments, it is many people’s next biggest monthly cost. If you are trying to reduce your monthly expenditure, a great place to start is with your car. Of course, giving up owning a car when you need one is probably not something you even want to consider. However, there are lots of ways that you can stay on the road and reduce how much it costs you. Here are some ideas to help you cut your motoring costs and keep those wheels rolling:
WHY MAKE MATTERS
The make of car that you choose can have a significant impact on the cost of running the vehicle, which goes beyond the purchase price. While you may be able to afford to buy that luxury brand vehicle, you will also need to consider the cost of running it. Do your research to find out if the parts are going to cost a fortune each time a repair is required before you commit to buying the car in the first place.
Some makes and models of cars have common faults that many owners complain about. When doing your research look at car owners’ websites and forums to check that the vehicle you are interested in doesn’t have any major common faults. If lots of other owner’s report the same common fault it could end up being an expensive choice of vehicle in the long run.
KEEP IT MAINTAINED
If you love cars, the chances are that you are going to take good care of your own. Keeping it well maintained and regularly serviced is vital if you want to save yourself from unexpected workshop bills.
Find yourself a reputable mechanic, such as Krauses Automotive to take care of your vehicle. As with choosing a car, choosing a workshop for your car maintenance and repairs is all about finding one which is reliable.
THINK ABOUT HOW YOU WILL USE IT
If you are planning to use your car to drive yourself to and from work through the city, then you will probably want to choose a completely different vehicle than if you need to drive the kids back and forth. Make sure that you aren’t paying for features that you won’t need to use. For example, there is no point in spending lots on a car with seven seats and family-friendly features if you will be the only one using the vehicle.
Choosing a vehicle that is much larger than you need will add to your running costs. Maintaining a big car may cost you more in fuel and up your monthly expenditure. Items such as car tires are also likely to cost more if they are a larger size.
Depending on the types of journeys that you plan to make, you may want to consider an electric car to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. The way your vehicle is powered is an important consideration when trying to cut costs.
Photo Credit: Lexus
