When you look at buying a new car, there is a long list of things to consider. Size, performance and appearance are key, but it is important that you know what your car will cost to run, so that you can afford to keep it on the road, without costing the earth. Often buying the cheapest possible car can be a false investment, resulting in higher on-the-road costs and expensive repairs. We take a look at how to get the best value for money, today and for years to come.
Big vs Small
A big engine may fill you with joy when you’re overtaking someone cruising at 55 miles an hour on the duel carriageway, but it can cost you a lot more to run too. When it comes to engine size, bigger isn’t always better; a smaller engine needs less energy to run. Choose your engine size based on your needs. A car with a small engine is fantastic as a run-around and is great for low-speed city driving. If, however, you will be driving long distances at a relatively high speed, a big engine may be more economical as small engines have to work harder (and burn more fuel) to maintain a high speed. Smaller cars are cheaper to insure, too, so can present long-term savings.
Diesel v Petrol
Diesel cars tend to last longer than petrol ones, and tend to be more economical on fuel. However, diesel costs more per litre, and diesel cars tend to be more expensive. This comes down to usage again: if you are planning on clocking up the miles, a diesel car may be a viable option, but if you use your car to pop to the shop and back, a petrol car is likely to save you money in the long term.
Manual v Automatic v Hybrids/Electric
In the forecourt, automatic cars cost a little more (usually about 10%). However, changing gears makes your vehicle work harder, especially if the driver is prone to stalling! If you are planning on keeping your car for a long time, the extra you pay upfront for an automatic may well be recouped over time through fuel efficiency.
Similarly, hybrids/electric cars are cheap to run, and come in plenty of sizes, thanks to advancing technology. Don’t assume all hybrids have lower, or no, tax – check before you buy. While they are more expensive in the first instance, hybrids cost a lot less to run and are usually subject to lower road tax. They hold their resale value, too, so are a good investment.
Choosing the best value vehicle can be a minefield. Often, the best way to make sure that you get the best value for money and the right car to meet your needs is to go to a reliable car sales garage, where you can make an informed choice based on your needs. Remember to write a wish-list before you go car shopping, to stop you from paying for features you don’t want or need!
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