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Frugal Living Tip: Vehicles

There are a few tips when it comes to living frugally when
you have to have a vehicle. Most people need one, they
just need to learn how to use it wisely and take care of it
wisely.

It’s important to locate a friend who knows how to work
on cars. Maybe you have a talent that they could use from
you in exchange for car repairs. Have your friend teach
you how to change your cars oil or fix a flat.

Let your friend show you where the air filter is and when
it’s time to change it. Fixing your car and keeping it in
good running order will keep it from breaking down often
and will save you money because it will last longer in the
long run.

But there will be a time when you’ll have to purchase a
new vehicle for one reason or another. Take your time to
figure out what you really need. Do you have money for a
down payment? Do you have enough in savings to
purchase a used car outright?

Watch for sales at different sales dealerships. But also,
look at car rental places. Most car rental places end up
selling their cars after they’ve been used for a while. You
can get between forty and fifty percent off the sales price
if it’s used, but still new.

Be sure to know how well your credit score is too. If you
have a good credit score, you will be able to get a lower
interest rate, which will save you thousands if you are
financing a car. Shop around at different banks to see
which bank is having specials.
Some offer a discount on the interest rate if you are a first
time car buyer. Others offer discounts if you’ve lived in
one place for a certain about of time. Acquire at least
four quotes to have a good idea of what you can do.

Most banks will only let you borrow a certain amount so
that will also give you an idea of what type of vehicle you
can purchase and the total amount. This will give you a
price to haggle with at the dealership.

It is always best to walk into a dealership knowing
exactly what you want to do and not let salespeople take
you by the hand and lead you in the wrong and expensive
direction.