Owning a car offers freedom, independence, and unlocks far more opportunities than any other object you could ever own.
It can allow you to apply for better jobs and travel wherever and whenever you please.
But figuring out how to save money for a car can be challenging. They aren’t cheap. And if you are already living on a tight budget, you may not think it’s possible.
It is 100% possible with a little forward-planning. Here are some top car buying tips to help you learn how to buy a car and make your four-wheeled dream a reality.
1. Work Out Exactly How Much You Need to Save
A savings goal means nothing if you don’t actually know what that goal is. You need to know exactly how much buying a car will cost you. Not only the car but everything else that comes with it.
Here are some car expenses to include when determining your final figure:
- Down payment, further car payments, or outright cost
- Car insurance
- Licensing and registration costs
- Car tax
- Cost of gas per month
Then, you can work out how much money you can afford to save each month and how long it will take you to save.
2. Consider Buying a Used Car
The average cost of a new car is $41,000. Most people won’t be able to afford a car that costs anywhere near this amount. So, have you considered buying a used car?
It will not only be cheaper but if you can buy it outright you won’t have the stress of debt, either.
Don’t get caught up in keeping up appearances or buying a car for status. Remember, the value is in the opportunities that the car will bring you, not the car itself.
If you’re interested, you can find out more about buying a used car.
3. Start a Temporary Side Hustle
Need to figure out how to save money for a car fast? Consider picking up a side hustle to meet your savings goal sooner.
You could sell your old stuff, rent out your spare room on Airbnb, or work on a freelance site like Fiverr.
4. Sell or Trade In Your Current Car
If you already have a car, then you could trade it in when you buy a new one. Or, you could attempt to sell it for more money than the car company is offering on sites like Facebook Marketplace or eBay.
5. Automate Your Savings to a Separate Account
If you struggle to not spend money that you want to save, create a new savings amount.
Set up monthly direct debit payments to this account so you think of saving for a car like a necessary bill, not “available” money that you can spend.
Figuring Out How to Save Money for a Car Unlocks Many Possibilities
With a bit of hard work and a few months of scrimping, you will be able to learn how to save money for a car. And not only that, you will be able to use your new savvy saving skills to buy other important big purchases like houses and vacations, too.
Need to research types of cars or want to learn more about the car buying process? Browse our website for tons of motor advice and helpful tips!