Five simple money-saving tips for drivers when buying a car

To help those looking to buy a car, experts at Bristol Street Motors have outlined some top tips on how to save some money. Interest in new cars remained at its strongest during the first month of the year, with searches for used cars also increasing by 49 percent, compared to last year.

And while the data suggests that people are eyeing up their next car, many do not know how to find the best bargain.

Recent research found that 46 percent of new drivers don’t know what they’re looking for when buying a car, from specifications to getting the right price.

If drivers are not sure how to get the best deal on the search for their next car, motoring experts at Bristol Street Motors have provided their five top tips to help motorists save money.

1. Don’t let insurance premiums and repairs catch you out

The cost of buying a car is not just about meeting the asking price. You also need to sort out insurance for your motor, which can rise to eyewatering annual amounts.

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For example, if you need a used car for commuting into a city centre office, you might be better off with a nippy three-door that costs £5,000 rather than a 4×4 on the market for £10,000.

On the other hand, if you’re doing the school run every day, then it makes sense to pay more for the space.

It’s about focusing on the essential travel requirements of the car, instead of being distracted by the potentially expensive features that drive up the asking price.

5. Diesel cars are a more economical choice for regular motorway drivers

When comparing costs for all the different car sales, don’t forget about fuel. Not only is it the biggest outlay you’ll spend on your car, but these costs differ wildly from model to model.

The higher the mpg, the further you can drive on a full tank of fuel, resulting in fewer visits to the petrol station.

Typically, diesel cars offer a better fuel economy, although petrol prices per litre are cheaper than diesel.

This comes back to the point about prioritising the essentials. If you’re only completing short journeys, then opt for a petrol engine, whereas diesel models are more cost-effective for regular long-haul drives.

Of course, you can forgo fuel altogether and buy an electric car. The upfront costs might be higher than petrol and diesel models, but they are generally cheaper to run based on fuel and maintenance costs.