The prospect of buying a car can be extremely daunting if money is tight. Many people are having to watch their spending right now, but that doesn’t mean you have to do without a vehicle. If you rely on a car to get you to work you really do have to find a way of affording a vehicle in order to keep your money coming in. If you’re concerned about the costs involved use these tips to help you.

cars

Should I Buy a New or a Used Car?

In most cases buying a new car really doesn’t make much sense, even if money isn’t causing a problem. In many cases car buyers will choose the only new car they can afford rather than buying used, but this is often a big mistake to make. A new car rarely makes any financial sense, whereas a used car will already have lost most of its value by the time you buy it. They can be purchased from dealers and private sellers and it’s even possible to get used cars with warranty and on finance too. You can end up owning a much better car than you thought for much less.

Stop Focusing on the Sticker Price

When you begin looking around for a new or used car it’s important not to focus only on the sticker price. Think about how much it’s going to cost you to actually run the vehicle over the long term. You may find you’re able to make dramatic fuel savings if you spend a little bit more on the asking price. You should also consider the cost of repairs, how easy it will be to get hold of affordable genuine parts and how much the repairs may cost.

Would it Be Better to Pay in Cash or get a Loan?

You might be thinking it makes sense to pay for the car in full but often a loan can make much better sense. Rather than having to delve into your savings you can spread out the cost over a few years, making it easier to manage your finances. If you have the money you do have the option to avoid the credit, but often sales people hand out better deals on cars to those taking finance as they receive commission and have targets to hit.

 

Should I Buy a Car from a Dealer or a Private Seller?

Private sellers provide used cars and it can be a way of getting hold of a great deal. The problem with private sellers is that they won’t be able to provide you with car finance directly and they may not be as flexible on pricing as the dealerships. It’s also important to check the car over fully to avoid any problems.

A dealership will be able to provide you with finance and warranties, even if you choose a used car over a new one. Visit cars.co.za to find both private sellers and dealers so you can consider your options and find an affordable vehicle.

 

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