The Top Ways You Can Save on Transportation and Vehicle Expenses
The United States produced around 82 million metric tons of steel in 2017, a good deal of which was used in the manufacturing of cars and motor vehicles. Driving is one of the most popular means of transport in the U.S. and millions of Americans commute daily to their jobs. However, this constant driving can add up and between buying new vehicles and filling up on gas, thousands of dollars can be lost to driving-related costs every year. If you’re looking for the best ways to cut back on this spending and save money, here is what you need to know.
Buying New or Used Vehicles
First off, let’s take a look at how buying new or used impacts costs and spending. While you might think used vehicles will save you the most, new cars can be a contender for savings.
- New Car Benefits
Buying a new car does come with some benefits that are worth considering. Shopping for new cars tends to be easier and you’re more likely to have a greater range of financing options that allows you to spread out payments to make them more manageable. New cars will also come with the best in new technology and safety features making them worth the price if that is something you value. Furthermore, you can also have the peace of mind that you won’t have to worry about any high-cost repairs in the near future, especially if something happens and you’re still under warranty. For these reasons, new cars are something to consider; however, it is worth factoring in depreciation of specific vehicles as well. Some vehicles depreciate quicker than others, so do your research on the best brands before driving off the lot. - Used Car Benefits
With all that said about new vehicles, used cars have benefits of their own worth noting. Often times they are just as reliable as new vehicles, especially if you’re buying a certified used vehicle. These vehicles often come with dealership warranties of their own and are inspected thoroughly by a mechanic who ensures they stand up to rigorous testing. Used cars often also have lower car insurance rates. Because they are often cost less money, insurance companies aren’t worried about paying too much for repairs or replacements, allowing you to pay lower rates. Furthermore, because you’re paying less than new, you can afford to shop around more and potentially invest in a luxury vehicle that’s only a couple of years old for much less than you’d pay for the newest iteration. You also won’t have to worry about depreciation as much and won’t risk losing thousands the next time you trade-in.
Both new and used cars have their benefits; however, for those looking to save the most amount of money upfront, used vehicles are definitely the way to go. Consider shopping around at different dealerships and comparing prices between vehicles. You can also go online to find out what the average price is in your area to use as leverage during negotiations.
Manuel or Automatic Transmission
Secondly, when looking into buying a vehicle, deciding between manual or automatic is a choice to consider. While many people prefer automatic for the ease of not having to manually shift, manual transmissions can achieve around three to five more miles per gallon than an automatic. Manual transmission cars also tend to have greater acceleration and are more engaging and fun to drive overall. However, there are some considerations when it comes to buying a manual. For instance, when car shopping you’ll have fewer models to choose from, and because so few people drive them any more, it might be harder to sell in the future. Additionally, if you live in an area that has a lot of traffic, you’ll find yourself having to shift and work the clutch much more often than if you lived in an area with less congestion. It’s also important to understand how to properly drive a manual, a skill that can take a lot of practice to get just right. That said, if you’re looking for a vehicle that can get the most miles per gallon, a manual is something to consider.
Saving Money with Alternative Transportation
While driving is often a must for work and school commutes, it’s worth looking into alternative modes of transportation if you’re serious about saving money. A few ways to do this include:
- Public Transportation
Specifically for those who live in metropolitan and urban areas, public transportation is a good option for those looking to cut back on their daily commutes and save money overall. For instance, taking the bus or train can save you from having to drive your own vehicle more than is needed, saving you on gas and maintenance costs. Even if you have to drive to a nearby train station, you’ll still be saving time and money in the long run. In some instances, public transport is even faster than driving. It also saves you the hassle of having to drive yourself, meaning you can spend your commute relaxing as opposed to worrying about watching the road and navigating the traffic. - Carpooling
Carpooling is likewise a great solution if you know other people nearby who are going to the same place. If you live nearby a co-worker alternating weeks where each of your drives can help save you both money and cut down on the number of morning drivers on the road. This can also help make you commute more fun, as you’ll have someone to share the ride with as opposed to only having the radio for company. - Motorcoaches for Special Occasions
Motorcoaches are some of the most fuel-efficient and clean vehicles on the road. Emitting the least amount of carbon dioxide per passenger mile, and are six times more fuel and energy efficient than passenger cars, these coaches are perfect for when you have a large group of people who need to get to the same location. For instance, if you have a large number of wedding guests who need to get to the same venue, having everyone take a motorcoach helps cut back on the number of cars on the road and ensures that everyone gets there safely and on time.
If you’re looking for the best ways to cut back on transportation costs and get the most out of your vehicle, keep these tips in mind when shopping for a new vehicle and when planning your commute. When it comes to saving on transportation costs, remember to consider alternative methods and don’t hesitate to take advantage of public transportation when available. Even carpooling a couple of days out of the week can have a significant impact when it comes to saving as much as you can on transport.