Every year in the United States auto trade dealerships sell more than 17 million vehicles. So, if you’re in the market for a new car then there are plenty to choose from.

However, knowing your budget before you go shopping for a car is essential but how much does a car cost? The average price of a new car in America is currently more than $36,000.

If that is out of your price range, there’s no need to worry! There are plenty of things you can do to save money while getting the car of your dreams.

Want to know more? Then you’re in the right place! Read on to find out everything you need to know about saving money when shopping for a new car. If you are a single mom or dad, you may want to check Dontpayfull’s guide on how to save more money with your purchases.

How Much Does a Car Cost? 

The cost of a new car depends on a lot of different factors, so it is worth considering these before you buy.

For example, whether you want to buy a brand-new car or a second-hand one will have a big impact on the price. Second-hand cars get cheaper the more miles they have on the clock. For example, you can also buy used cars at various online car auctions.

Of course, more types of cars are available today than ever before. So, if you’re asking how much does a Tesla car cost or how much does a smart car cost, you’re looking at a much bigger price tag! A new Tesla will cost at least $38,900.

If you really want to save money on your new car there are plenty of great things you can do. Let’s take a look at some of our top tips for saving money when shopping for a new car.

Don’t Fixate on Auto Brands

The features you want in a car should be your main priority when shopping for a new one. So, try to focus on these rather than buying into particular auto brands or styles of car.

Well-known brands are often able to charge a lot for vehicles that don’t offer a lot of additional features. When searching, look for substance over style.

For example, let’s say you find a car with all the features that you want but you don’t like its paint job. Then it’s worth asking yourself how much does it cost to repaint a car?

If you really hate the look you can change that relatively cheaply. But it is much more expensive to upgrade your car’s features once you’ve bought it.

Be Prepared to Negotiate

It might surprise you to find out that most dealerships will be open to negotiation. This can involve negotiating down the price of a vehicle. Or it might be about getting more for your money.

For example, you could get free oil changes for two years thrown in with the car when you buy it.

Being self-assured when negotiating is key so it’s worth doing your research. If you know someone is selling the same car at a better price across town you can use this to your advantage.

When negotiating there is no need to come in hard. In fact, being friendly and patient will is a great way to build a rapport with the car dealer. Then they will be far more likely to offer you a good price.

Consider Buying Second-Hand

Buying a car second-hand will always be cheaper than buying one new. This doesn’t mean you have to scrimp on the quality of the car.

When buying a used car you should check:

  • That it has all the appropriate documentation with it
  • Its service history
  • For any damage to the vehicle
  • The number of miles on the dashboard

The higher the mileage on a car, the cheaper it will be. However, this also means that it may have a shorter road life. So, it is worth paying a bit more for lower mileage.

If you are buying a vehicle second-hand, it is a good idea to check the vehicle history by VIN code.

Don’t Jump Into a Lease

If you don’t have a lot of money going spare it might be tempting to look at leasing a car instead of buying one. This involves making monthly payments on a vehicle for a set period of time rather than owning it outright.

However, there are a lot of things to consider when asking how much does it cost to lease a car?

What might initially look like a good deal could be a lot more expensive in the long-run. If your circumstances change you could end up tied into a contract you no longer need. Or there may be hefty charges for exceeding the mileage listed in your contract.

Think About Additional Costs 

The upfront cost of a car is not the only thing you need to consider when shopping as this won’t be the last thing you pay for. In fact, there are a lot of financial commitments to consider that are affected by the type of car you buy.

Some other costs to consider include:

  • The road tax for your car
  • Any maintenance or running fees
  • The cost of gas for your car
  • Insurance

In general, bigger cars are much more expensive to run and will cost more in road tax. It is worth considering your budget for all of these before you buy your car.

Find a Car to Suit Your Budget Today! 

As you can see, there is no simple answer to the question “how much does a car cost?” Fortunately, if you are willing to put the work in you can save a lot of money on the price of a new car.

Want help getting a vehicle report for a second-hand car? Then sign up to EpicVIN today for a full and accurate summary of your car’s history.