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Single parents often find themselves short of two things; one of them is money, and the other is time. There never seems to be enough hours in the day when you are single-handedly responsible for running a household, which can mean that you are forever rushing from place to place. All of this rushing around is made even more difficult when you don’t have a car and are reliant on public transport.
Owning a car brings with it independence and the ability to go where you want when you want to, without having to plan your life around the bus timetable. Many single parents worry about the costs associated with car ownership. If you are planning on buying a car, then these tips should help you make the best choice for your family.
Cheaper isn’t Better
It can be tempting to grab the first bargain you see when you are buying a car. The problem with buying a car based solely on its price is that you may be setting yourself up for some expensive issues to deal with. Buying a car from a private seller at a tempting price may be appealing, but you should be aware of the potential risks of doing this.
Hidden faults, outstanding finance, the possibility of the car being stolen, and poor quality repairs are risks that you run when buying a car from a private seller. If you experience any of these issues, you could find yourself seriously out of pocket. While the vehicle may seem in good condition on face value, you may find yourself with some costly repair bills when MOT time comes around.
Many people opt to buy used cars from dealerships such as Trade Price Cars so that they can avoid the risks associated with buying from a private seller.
Factor in Running Costs
Before you choose a car, it is a good idea to research running costs, before deciding on the best car for you. Think about how much money you can afford to pay each month to keep the car on the road. Working out your budget for running costs will enable you to feel more confident in your purchase.
Vehicle tax, fuel efficiency and insurance are the main considerations when comparing costs. If you want to keep costs as low as possible, it is a good idea to narrow down your choices to cars with smaller engines and low CO2 emissions as this could help save money on car tax and fuel consumption.
Consider the Size
Many people think that buying a family car means that you need to buy a large vehicle. However, this doesn’t need to be the case; if you don’t need a large car, then it may be cost-effective for you to choose a smaller model. This could help you to keep running costs as low as possible.
With a bit of research, buying a car can be affordable, and make your life as a busy single parent a little less stressful.
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