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It’s time to buy a new car, but you’re understandably overwhelmed by the options out there. Brand-new cars cost a fortune nowadays, even with flexible finance options. You need a reliable vehicle that doesn’t break the bank and has fairly low running costs. It might sound like an unsolvable conundrum, but here are some clever tricks to help you get the car you need without running out of money. 

Dip Into The Barely Used Market

Here’s the funny thing about new cars: they lose up to a third of their value in the first year of being driven. Even funnier, thanks to PCP finance deals, most people trade in their new cars after just four years. It means you end up with loads of four-year-old vehicles being sold at incredibly low prices. 

That’s why dipping into the used cars market will help you find a fantastic bargain. People think of “used” as meaning a car that’s 10 or more years old. In reality, you can pick up a car with under 30,000 miles on the clock and loads of modern tech for an absolute steal. Keep en eye out for the “barely used” listings, and you’re sure to save a tonne of money. 

Run A Licence Check For The Car’s Full History

Before buying a used car, check its full history to see if there’s anything you should know about it. Lots of apps provide this service nowadays, though most people use one called carVertical. It lets you type in a registration or VIN to see everything you need to know about a car. 

You’ll find information on ownership, any damages, if the mileage has been reset, etc. How does this help you save money? Because you can use the information to bargain for a better deal. If you saw the car was damaged at some point, but the seller hasn’t mentioned it, then pointing this out will ensure you get a better price. 

Or, it prevents you from buying a problem car. You can see if a vehicle isn’t worth your time, which ends up saving a fortune in future repairs! 

Opt For A Hybrid Car

Now, saving money on your car purchase isn’t just about the initial upfront costs. To be honest, you’ll handle this by buying used vehicles anyway. You also need to think about the long-term running costs of driving your car every day. 

As such, you should look at your fuel costs and economy. Much like you try to save money on household energy bills, you should cut the costs of fueling your car. That’s why hybrid cars make the most sense. They use a combination of electric and conventional fuel sources to improve the MPG. You also don’t have to plug in the battery – it recharges itself. Therefore, a hybrid saves money on fuel, which makes your car more affordable overall. 

With the right mindset and approach, you can save a lot of money on your next car purchase. Remember to think about the upfront savings and the ongoing savings to maximise your investment.