How to Affordably Run a Family Car

A car is almost essential when raising a family. Not only will you need a vehicle to make the work and school run much smoother, but it is ideal for nipping to the shops to buy forgotten groceries or to take the whole clan out on a fun road trip.

However, owning a car can quickly drain your finances, as it comes with many associated costs, such as petrol, insurance and tax. To reduce your expenditure, take a look at the following tips on how to affordably run a family car.

Buy a Second-hand Vehicle

Buying a car fresh off the production line will not only cost a substantial amount of money, but it could also lose approximately 50% of its value within its first three years. Instead of purchasing a brand-new vehicle, it is a smart decision to buy one that is a few years old, which will provide more value for money.

Find a Cheap Car to Run

It is also crucial to consider a car’s running costs before you make a purchase. While the initial vehicle fee might be cheap, it might offer a low mileage and feature expensive parts. Do your homework to find cheap cars with affordable running costs to maximise your finances.

For instance, a car with a smaller engine can be cheaper, as large engines tend to burn more fuel while diesel cars are more expensive at the pump in comparison to petrol. It is also an intelligent idea to check its CO2 emissions, which can determine a vehicle’s road tax.

Have a Financial Backup Plan in Place

Have you thought about how you would pay for your vehicle if it broke down and required an expensive part? If so, it is essential to have a financial backup in place, so you can get your car back on the road in no time without damaging your finances. For example, you could develop an emergency fund or could take out an online loan from Cashlady.

Find a Vehicle That’s Cheap to Insure

Car insurance is one of the biggest costs associated with owning a family vehicle. To reduce your outgoings, find a car that is cheap to cover. For example, small vehicles will have much cheaper insurance premiums compared to a 4×4.

Most vehicles are placed into a ranking from zero to 50 and a range of features can also determine your insurance rates, such as:

  • The vehicle performance
  • Safety features
  • New model price
  • The cost of spare parts

The higher your car’s number is, the more it will cost to insure throughout the year. Also, don’t forget to barter with an insurance provider to secure a better deal.

Conclusion

While running a family car is bound to be a big expense, there are ways to reduce your expenditure throughout the year.

Review all the above factors when purchasing a new or second-hand vehicle to help your money go a little further. It will ensure you invest in an affordable, reliable run-around the whole clan will love.

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Alan Cole

Alan is a Freelance Website Designer, Sports & Exercise Science Lab Technician and full time Dad & husband with far too many hobbies: Triathlete, Swimming, Cycling, Running, MTBing, Surfing, Windsurfing, SUPing, Gardening, Photography.... The list goes on.