Car Running Costs: A Complete Guide To Help You Save Money

When buying a used car, it’s easy to think you’re getting a bargain. And, compared to the price of a new car that will depreciate rapidly, that could well be true. However, many used cars aren’t quite all they seem. To this end, it’s crucial to know about the most common hidden costs of buying a used car. This, in turn, could help you decide whether a used car might be good value for money (or not).

The Hidden Costs of Maintaining a Used Car

There are many potential costs that you could experience when buying a used car. Keeping these in mind could make it easier to decide whether you’re making a safe investment (or overspending).

#1 Batteries

Fortunately, a new battery isn’t the most expensive cost you’ll likely face for your car. With that being said, having to pay out for a new battery on your car right after you’ve gotten it can be an unwelcome sting! Given this thought, it’s always worth asking the seller when the battery was last checked. And, if you get the chance to take the car for a test drive, look out for major signs of battery health.

#2 Undisclosed Advisories

Don’t assume a car’s a safe bet just because it passed its last MOT. In many cases, MOT records will have numerous advisory issues that (though not problematic now) could become worse with time. As such, using a car history checking tool before you buy is a must; this simple step allows you to verify if there were any advisories on past MOTs, and, if so, what. After all, a minor advisory may not be so concerning. However, an advisory for an expensive replacement part could make your “bargain” far less exciting.

#3 Tyre Condition

A good quality tyre can easily cost over £100 these days – that’s £400 if you need to replace all four! For a used car of around £4000, that could represent a 10% price hike. Ouch. Definitely something to be aware of when viewing the car to make sure the tyres are holding air and safe.

#4 Engine Condition

One of the most devastating blows when buying a used car is for the engine to go. Indeed, replacing an engine can often cost thousands, and this could make your seemingly good-value vehicle far less appealing. Given this thought, always have a good look at the engine before you decide to buy a used car. While there’s only so much you can check here, doing your research, considering previous repairs, etc may help.

#5 Small Hidden Costs and Accessories

In many cases, we tend to overlook some of the smallest expenses and repair bills. However, these can very quickly add up. Small repairs to the windscreen, repairing or replacing your key fob, switching wipers, and more. And what about cosmetic changes, such as touching up dents and scratches? These are all small extras that may have a significant impact on the final cost of your used car.