Resourceful-Mom

Buying the car you can afford

Many times, the car I want (luxury) is a far cry from what I can comfortably afford (economy).  This has less to with the sticker price and everything to do with the cost to maintain the car.

From a car maintenance standpoint, I suggest thinking worst case scenario.  Consider your income and responsibilities when answering this question.  How difficult would it be for you to fix or replace one, or more, of the following?

• Tires
• Brakes
• Battery
• Alternator
• Oil change
• Head or Tail light
• New/rebuilt engine
• New/rebuilt transmission
• Windshield wiper motor
• Oil leak
• Serpentine belt
• Window motor

The difference between whether the car is domestic, foreign, economy or luxury, as well as, where you get the car repaired will affect the cost.  Getting your car repaired at a dealership is sometimes more costly than taking it to your local mom and pop shop.  On the other hand, if the car is still under warranty or the repairs are complex, you may prefer to take your car to the dealership.  In addition, foreign and luxury vehicles normally cost more for maintenance and repair.

My commute to/from work is about 100 miles.  As a result, I have to take miles per gallon and engine size into consideration before purchasing a car.  It would not be financially wise for me to purchase a vehicle, new or used, with a V6 engine and a 20 gallon tank.  Even though my heart skips a beat when I think of a Lexus SC 400 being parked out front, getting that car  would mean I’d have to fill up more frequently and, with gas prices, pay more for each fill up.  We won’t even discuss tires .

Researching the cost for repairs, before purchasing a car, can save you a lot of time, money and stress in the long run.