How To Lower Your Automotive Expenses

A person's vehicle is an integral part of their life. Without a car, getting to and from work, food shopping, doctors appointments, and many other activities can be extremely difficult. Not to mention, a car gives you the freedom to drive cross country on an adventure or visit friends and family. But all these benefits come at a price. Did you ever stop to think about how much you actually spend to have a car? For many households, transportation is the second-largest annual expense after housing, taking up a large portion of one’s income. According to statistics, the average cost to own a vehicle in 2017, including the purchase amount, car insurance and filling it with gas - is $9,576 a year.

That's $798 month. If you spend nearly $800 a month on your vehicle, you’d probably be happy to learn how you can lower that number drastically! Use these tips to save a big chunk of change on car costs.

Car Donation Programs

Offering access to affordable and sometimes free transportation, working your way up to a more stable financial situation is possible with the help of these car donation programs. The primary goal of these organizations is to assist low-income families in building self-sufficiency. If you find yourself struggling to find reliable transportation, these programs may offer the opportunity you’ve been searching for to improve your lifestyle.

Smart Auto Financing

If you do not qualify for a donated car another good option is financing a new or used vehicle. There are a number of companies that will help you find the best financing options for your budget, credit and personal needs. This company makes auto loans easier for Americans. Its simple approval criteria makes car buying easy for people with credit issues. Take advantage of this resources to explore your options and find a car loan with low monthly payments no matter what your credit score is.

Shop Around For Gas

It may be convenient to go to the nearest gas station at the end of your block but convenience comes at a price! Especially if you do this regularly. Prices vary among stations and often gas stations closest to big roadways have higher prices. Try to find more affordable gas prices by searching online or use the Gas Buddy app to simplify your search.

Get Rid of Your Overpriced Insurance Premium

The truth is many of us are overpaying for car insurance as we speak. Luckily in a matter of minutes, we can change all that. Find out exactly how much you can save using this tool. Comparing car insurance policies is an absolute must and your first step in finding savings. If you care about your car and money which we are sure you do, then you should definitely do your homework before purchasing a new policy. With the presence of multiple insurance providers, deciding on a policy can feel more confusing than convenient these days. The easiest way to get the best deal for your car insurance is with comparisons online.

Carpooling/Ride Sharing

Turn carpooling into your main form of commuting and save money each month. The first direct savings you will notice is on your gas bill. The amount of savings in fuel depends on the number of people you carpool with. The more people you have the more savings you'll experience! Secondly, you can save on car repairs. Daily commuting takes a toll on your car each year. Maintenance and repair bills quickly add up along with car mileage. By alternating vehicles with others in your carpool, your car will experience less wear and tear and you’ll be making fewer visits to the repair shop.

Craigslist

Although buying a car may sound expensive, it doesn't have to be. If you can’t afford a car payment and are in need of your own transportation Craigslist is a good place to look for used cars. You can normally find used vehicles for $1,000 or less. You will also save on insurance as you won’t be required to carry costly coverage. When searching for cars for sale in your area, try narrowing your search by cars sold by owners only. This is because many dealers purchase used cars at auction and are unaware of the real condition of the car. Private owners are more likely to know the cars history and condition.