If you are thinking about purchasing a vehicle, it is important to know what type of expenses may arise. You can acquire a brand-new car and think that your only expense will be the price of the vehicle, but the truth is there are many other costs associated with owning one.
These expenditures include insurance, fuel, registration, taxes, and maintenance. This article will shed light on the types of expenses related to your vehicle so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next ride.
Fuel Economy
The fuel economy is an important consideration because it can save you money in the long run. Or cost you more. If your car is not especially efficient, then you may need to spend more on fuel than if you had selected a more economical body style. For example, an SUV that has lower fuel efficiency will likely cost more per mile when driven compared to a sedan. Thus, it is important to balance your options between what you would like and what’s the most efficient choice.
Further, the cost of owning and operating each vehicle type varies greatly depending upon the specifics involved. These include whether multiple drivers travel varying distances or one owner who regularly takes short trips. In any case, fully grasping your driving behavior before you make your purchase decision, will help you anticipate your costs.
Auto Insurance
Auto insurance is an important expense to consider when buying a car. Insurance protects against financial loss resulting from damage or the theft of your vehicle, as well as legal liability for injuries and property losses. If you’ve been in a car accident you might also consider contacting a lawyer.
How much you pay for insurance will depend on many factors, including your credit score, where you live, the insurance company, what kind of coverage you want, gender, age, and whether any other drivers in your household also are on your policy. You can also save money by bundling your insurance. This means if you own a house, then ask your insurer to supply both homeowners and automotive coverage. They’ll do so at a discount, with savings averaging 10 percent. With a $1,000 policy, you’ll save $100. Lastly, shop around for insurance. It is possible to save another $200 to $300 when comparing similar plans from multiple insurers.
Registration and Taxes
Every jurisdiction requires registration of a new vehicle and the annual renewal cost thereafter. In some states, the registration fee is a token amount, while in others you can pay much more based on the type of vehicle. For instance, a subcompact sedan may render a small charge, while a full-size SUV could cost much more.
In some states, property taxes are also assessed. The way this works is that your tax is based on your vehicle’s current value. A percentage of that value is charged, which is your tax. As your vehicle ages, the tax generally lowers, but it is an expense that must be kept in mind when shopping for a new ride.
Vehicle Maintenance
Owning a car can be very expensive. Maintenance costs for a car may include oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, air filters, windshield wiper blades, or new lights. If you are purchasing a new vehicle, some manufacturers pay for oil changes and tire rotations for the first year or two of ownership.
Some problems may become exacerbated due to the lack of proper care, including worn tires that are not rotated. Also, if your brakes begin to squeal and grind, you are looking at a far costlier repair than had you done the work earlier. In other words, it is extremely important to familiarize yourself with the owner’s manual and follow the maintenance intervals as listed.
Cost Anticipation
Lastly, it is important to develop a budget that covers not just your monthly payments, if you have them, but the other expenses as outlined earlier. By doing so, you can determine whether you can afford a certain vehicle or perhaps adjust your plans accordingly. A rule of thumb is to pay no more than 10 percent of your take-home pay on car payments and another 10 percent on insurance, taxes, tags, fuel, and upkeep.
Photo Attribution
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay.
Image by Nastya Gepp from Pixabay.
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