5 tips for buying a budget car

Buying a new car is a daunting experience for many. It’s a big investment and there is always the fear of being ripped off by your salesman. If you’re looking for a new set of wheels, but are on a strict budget, here are some tips to help you out:

Actually set a budget 

You may know roughly what kind of car you would like, but having a set amount you can afford, will keep you honest to yourself and make it harder to overspend.

The budget should also consider how much you’re wanting to spend once you have the car, not just the once-off price of buying it. Consider how much you want to spend on petrol each month (how big is the cars tank?), how old the car is, and how much maintenance might be needed, along with other small unforeseen costs.

Do your research

To help set up a decent budget and make sure you get the best deal possible, research is key. If you’re not familiar with cars, spend some time finding out what is vital to know so you can tell for yourself whether the car you’re looking at is worth the price being offered.

Also, shopping around makes it possible to find a deal that you would have missed if you didn’t take the time to research.

Don’t sleep on used cars

If you’re on a budget, it’s unlikely you could really consider a brand new car. So don’t get upset that you’ll have to go with a used one, it’s likely you’ll find a great car that feels fantastic and new to you.

Used cars do mean more research, so don’t forget to brush up and know what you’re going in for.

Pay attention to the warranty plan

New cars are great because they come with their warranty starting right at the beginning. If you’re going to buy a used car, this won’t be the case. However, there are sometimes used cars which have extended warrantees. This means you have the benefit of this protection for at least a short while after purchase.

Always check the warranty when asking for a used car.

Hold strong on optional extras 

If you’re buying a new car, the salesman is likely to try up-sell you with fancy added extras. These all sound great but you CAN live without them. Yes, the climate control will be nice for hot days and the upgraded speakers means better road trip sing alongs, but that also means the price weighs heavier on your pocket.

So stand firm on added extras.