How You Can Save Money When Buying a Car

A car is a big investment, usually costing thousands to purchase a good make and model. Such a large price tag just isn't doable for those who have a strict budget, and it can seem impossible to invest in a vehicle without putting yourself into debt or financial difficulties. However there are several brilliant tips and tricks that you can use to save money on your next car.  To find out more on how you can invest in a new vehicle without having to shell out a small fortune, then read on to find out what your best steps are.

Top Three Tips to Save on Your Next Car

Look At Second Hand Vehicles 

One of the best ways to find an affordable vehicle is to search out second hand models. Second hand cars are often great value, as you can find vehicles with just one previous owner for a fraction of the original price. The depreciation in car value is really quite dramatic, as a car begins to lose its value as soon as you drive it off the lot. That’s why a car that’s as little as 12 months old with less than 25,000 miles on the clock can be around ⅔ of the price of a brand new model, yet the difference in drive and experience is barely or not noticeable. 

Approach A Private Seller

Approaching a private seller rather than a car dealership can often set you up for a far more affordable deal, as you stand a much better chance at bartering and securing a cheaper price by posing your own offer. You can find many private sellers through online auction houses and social media adverts, and it’s easy to send a message to arrange a viewing. Make sure you take the opportunity to take the car for a test drive, as there may be an issue that you can’t see simply by looking at the exterior of the vehicle. If the car drives well and you want to make an offer, start lower than you would be willing to pay. Work your way up and try to meet somewhere in the middle, setting yourself a top price that you don’t want to pay more than. If they accept your first low offer, this should be a red flag. 

Consider Part Exchanging 

If you have an old car already that you wish to upgrade, you may wish to consider part exchanging. The process of part exchanging involves essentially selling your old vehicle in exchange for store credits that can be used to reduce the price of a new vehicle, so it’s a really convenient way of getting rid of your unwanted car whilst replacing it with a much better car at a discounted rate. It’s a good idea to make the most of a free Vauxhall part exchange calculator to work out how much you’ll end up paying.  

I hope you found those tips helpful. Buying a car may be expensive but there are workarounds.