Buying A Car: Simple Ways To Save Money Once You Bring It Home
When you own a car, there are costs that come with it. If you have a car payment, that is only one aspect. Insurance, registration, fuel, and maintenance all need space in your budget. So how can you save money on all these costs? Here are some ideas:
1. Choose a cheaper car.
When you get your vehicle, take some time to test drive older models. Older cars are less expensive to register, often by a few hundred dollars. If you want to know just how much registering a newer car will cost you, contact your local title and registration office to get a ballpark quote. You can also reduce your costs if you're buying answer by getting something that weighs less. large SUVs and vans will cost more than light, small sedan. Finally, it helps to get a deal on the purchase price. When you buy at clearance or liquidation prices, your vehicle registration will be less expensive.
The amount to register a car can vary by state, but for example, in Iowa, all vehicle that are 12 years old or older will cost $50 to register. Newer cars are determined at a percentage of the list price. For example, if you bought a car that was 4 years old for $18,000, you would pay $180 for registration. An additional 40 cents is tacked on to the cost for every 100 pounds your vehicle weighs.
2. Check for features that insurance companies like.
Some car features will make your car less expensive to insure. Usually, insurance companies use statistics to determine how much your rate will be. Some cars have better safety features, some get in accidents less often, and some are less costly to repair. Usually, well-known car brands that don't require specialty parts are better to insure. Chevy. Toyota, Honda, and Ford models often make the list of the least expensive cars to insure. Accident preventative features like backup cameras and anti-lock brakes are helpful. Some cars are more likely to be stolen, and these drive up insurance rates too.
3. Stay on top of maintenance.
Rotating your tires helps them last longer. Changing your oil helps to prevent engine problems. Filling up with gas before your tank is empty helps to extend the life of your fuel pump. These are all simple tasks, but each one translates into simple savings later.
For more information, contact a local insurance company, like R L Jones Insurance Services Inc.