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When looking to purchase a new car, most people are only concerned with the sticker price or up front costs. They judge the deal based only on the amount of money they pay before driving their new car off the dealership lot. Studies have indicated that the initial investment can be often times misleading. Over the course of several years, a seemingly inexpensive automobile can end up costing far more than a higher-priced model.

Here we will explain four tips that can impact your wallet in terms of owning a car. When you eventually decide to purchase a new model, keep these factors in mind.

Tip 1 - Fuel Efficiency

A lot of drivers would be surprised by the variance in gas expenses for different models over five years. SUV’s are fuel guzzling vehicles, if you drove a 4 cylinder car you would save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the automobile. To determine how much you’ll be spending on gas, assume that you’ll be driving 12,000 miles each year. You’ll also need to make an assumption regarding where you think fuel prices will be during the next five years.

Tip 2 - Insurance Premiums

Many motorists believe that their insurance premiums are based solely upon their driving record. In truth, most insurance providers also take into account the type of car you’re driving. As an example, the premiums that your would pay on a convertible sports car are significantly higher than you would pay for a 4 door family car. Call your insurance agent prior to purchasing a new vehicle. He should be able to tell you which models will cost more to insure.

Tip 3 - Regular Maintenance And Repairs

This is one of the hidden expenses of owning an automobile. The fact is, when somebody visits a dealership lot, the last thing they’re thinking about is how much they’ll need to pay for repairs. Maintaining and repairing your car is inevitable. The older it gets, the higher the likelihood that car parts and systems will fail. The important thing to realize is that certain models are more expensive to repair than others. And while your warranty will cover the first few years, it won’t last forever. Take into account that you can save money on car repairs by utilizing used auto parts which are not only cheaper, but help save the environment

Tip 4 - Depreciation

Finally, we come to the largest expense of all: depreciation. Most people understand that automobiles depreciate. However, many people are taken a back when they learn, how much, how fast and the difference between car makes and models.

It is estimated that vehicles lose more than half their value during their first five years. Some models lose their value more quickly than others based on available inventories, popularity, and even the cash incentives offered by automakers and dealerships.

When you decide to purchase a new car, consider the initial price in the context of how much it will actually cost to own the vehicle. In other words, don’t be swayed simple because of a low sticker price. Consider the factors I’ve listed above to make sure you’re still happy with your purchase several years down the road.

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