The Citizen, 2019-04-25, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019.
Auto sticker price is just the tip of the iceberg
MS –When buying a new vehicle,
many consumers are fixated on
sticker prices. And that’s
understandable, as the automotive
resource Kelley Blue Book noted
that, in March 2018, the average
transaction price for light vehicles
purchased in the United States was
more than $35,000.
But as any veteran vehicle owner
knows, the costs of owning a car or
truck go beyond sticker price.
Maintenance, insurance and fuel are
some of the additional expenses that
are part of owning a vehicle. And
while it can be hard to get dealers to
lower a sticker price, drivers can take
other steps to reduce the cost of
owning a vehicle.
• Make a long-term
commitment:Many drivers finance
their auto purchases with loans from
the bank. When loans reach
maturity, or if drivers pay the loans
off early, only then are they free
from monthly payments. But over
the years, many drivers have equated
the maturity dates on their auto loans
with a time to buy a new car,
essentially starting the process all
over again. By resolving to keep
their cars once their loans are paid
off, drivers are making a long-term
commitment to their vehicles and
saving some money along the way.
Even keeping a car that required a
$400 monthly loan payment for one
year after paying the loan off can
save drivers nearly $5,000 in loan
payments, and even more if drivers
reduce their insurance coverage once
the vehicle is officially theirs.
• Downsize your vehicle: Parents
cart kids around town in minivans or
SUVs that have the capacity to hold
sports gear, musical instruments, etc.
But if the kids are out of the house or
still under your roof, but now behind
the wheels of their own car, consider
downsizing to a small vehicle. Small
vehicles are typically less expensive
to purchase, and they won't cost as
much to insure or fill up at the gas
station.
• Skip the bells and whistles:
Today’s drivers may want their cars to
be mobile offices and entertainment
centres outfitted with all the latest
gadgets and accessories. Though such
accessories might be nice, they aren’t
necessary to get you from Point A to
Point B. When buying a new car, buy
the base model or one step up from
the base model, which could save you
thousands of dollars right off the bat.
Driving is a necessity that does not
come cheap. But there are many
ways for motorists to reduce the
costs of vehicle ownership.
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2011 Dodge Ram 1500 -grey, 5.7L, hemi, loaded, 4 door, quad cab, sliding back window, 4x4,
brand new tires, 206,132 kms...............................................................................................$13,495.
2010 Dodge Grand Caravan -silver, 3.8L, loaded, 7 passenger, stow ’n go seats, 246,698 kms.$4,995.
2010 Nissan Sentra -grey, 2L, loaded, 4 door, 217,529 kms...............................................$4,495.
2010 Hyundai Elantra -blue, 2L, loaded, 5 speed standard, 4 door, 207,180 kms.............$4,495.
2010 Dodge Avenger SXT -black, 2.4L, loaded, 4 door, 265,566 kms..........................................$3,995.
2008 Pontiac Montana SV6 -maroon, 3.9L, loaded, 7 passenger, 192,981 kms................................$4,495.
2008 Ford Focus -blue, 2L, loaded, 4 door, 204,817 kms.....................................................$3,495.
2007 VW Jetta -white, 2.5L, automatic, loaded, 4 door, 221,111 kms..................................$4,995.
2007 Ford Fusion SE -red, 3L, leather, loaded, 4 door, 248,673 kms.................................$3,995.
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo -silver, 3.7L, loaded, 4 door, 4x4, 239,456 kms...................$5,995.
2006 VW Jetta -grey, 1.9 tdi, diesel, automatic, 4 door, loaded, 301,495 kms.....................$4,995.
2006 Dodge Ram 1500 -silver, 5.7L, hemi, loaded, 4 door, quad cab, 4x4,
tonneau cover, 170,638 kms.........................................................................................$9,995.
1998 Dodge Ram 1500 -green, 5.9L, gas, loaded, ext. cab, 4x4, 279,668 kms.............................$4,995.
2011 Chev Silverado 15002009 Hyundai Santa Fe
White, 3.3 litre, loaded, leather,
4 door, AWD,
226,924 kms.$7,495.$12,995.
Blue,4.8 litre, ext. cab,
loaded, 4x4,
218,249 kms.
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Finding an affordable ride
While negotiating automobile prices may be a time-honoured tradition in the western world,
more savings can be found by getting a vehicle that will pay off in the long-term, instead of the
vehicle that costs less right now. Over the life cycle of an automotive vehicle, expenses are
always mounting, including fuel, insurance, new tires and repairs, so investing more in the
present can save money for the future. (MS photo)
Protecting an auto investment
MS –Major repairs to a vehicle
can be expensive. When
unanticipated repairs are necessary,
drivers’ budgets can be thrown out of
whack, potentially causing a domino
effect that compromises their ability
to pay their bills on time.
Whether your vehicle is brand
new, a few years old or reaching
milestones on its odometer with
every mile driven, there are ways to
care for the vehicle so you aren’t
caught off guard by costly repairs
down the road.
• Read your owner’s manual:A
vehicle owner’s manual is a great
resource that can help drivers keep
their cars and trucks running strong
for years. Every vehicle, whether it’s
purchased brand new from a
dealership or preowned from a
preowned dealer or private citizen,
should come with an owner’s
manual.
Don’t worry if you purchased a
preowned vehicle from a private
citizen who lost the manual, as many
manufacturers have manuals
available for free on their websites.
Print manuals may cost some
money.
Drivers may be able to find their
manuals elsewhere online, such as
Justgivemethedamnmanual.com,
which has thousands of manuals
from various automakers available.
Once you have the manual in hand
or on your computer, visit the
maintenance section to familiarize
yourself with the manufacturer’s
recommended maintenance guide-
lines.
Adhering to those guidelines is a
great way to keep your car running
strong for years on end, and it might
just save you from the hassle of
sudden expensive repairs that could
hurt your wallet.
• Protect the engine: The engine
is arguably the most expensive part
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