January 27, 2008

How Much Do Car Repairs Really Cost You?

We all have problems making ends meet from time to time, but if it's a constant worry it could be time to take a long hard look at your money situation.

The biggest area for making changes is often in the everyday expenses incurred by getting to and from your place of work. Sometimes the best way to get to your job is by driving there, but this does of course cause plenty of wear and tear on your vehicle.

Over time this will cause problems as parts wear out and need to be replaced, but even if the time for getting a new car is getting closer you might be tempted to keep repairing your current model when you start thinking about the cost of replacing it. You should always consider all your options however. When you add up the cost of repairs over time, you may well find you'd actually save money by getting a new car.

First of all, sit down and look at where your money goes each month to see where you could make savings. By cutting down in certain areas you will often find you have enough cash left over to get a car finance deal on another car. You wouldn't be paying out for frequent repairs any more, and depending on the make and model you buy, you might find your car insurance may well be cheaper too, which will save you even more money.

As with any finance deal it's important to think of the long term effects and benefits of taking one on. It will enable you to get a much better and more reliable car, which can have a real impact on many other areas of your life. If you've been constantly late for work because your current car keeps breaking down, your bosses certainly won't be that pleased. With a new car that you can rely on you'll be back in their good books again in no time.

As you might imagine, constant car repairs can cost you much more than just money - they can cost you your peace of mind as well. That's why it's better to sit down and work out what kind of car you'd like next before you go out and buy one - especially if money is a big factor.

If you use your car every day look for makes and models which have good fuel consumption. Try and find out which ones run better over time as well; this will help you to avoid having to put it in the garage for repairs in the future quite as often as your current one.

In the end, so long as you plan your finances properly and choose the best car for your needs, upgrading to a new model offers far more benefits than trying to keep your old one on the road.

Andrew Regan is an online, freelance author from Scotland. He is a keen rugby player and enjoys traveling.

http://www.acfcarfinance.co.uk


By Andrew Regan