3 Cars that Will Cut Down the Cost of Your Commute
Many people spend at least 30 to 45 minutes commuting to work each morning, and they follow the same route to get back home in the event. The reality is that you can spend a considerable amount of time in your car commuting to and from work each week, but a commute is more than just a drain on your time. It can also suck money out of your bank account in multiple ways. Perhaps the most affordable way to save money on your commute is to ride a bike, a bus or a train. You potentially could eliminate ownership of a car altogether when you use one of these commuting methods. However, if you need to drive a car or if you prefer the convenience of personal transportation, there are a few vehicles that you can purchase that may reduce the cost of your commute in various ways.
Most Affordable Cars to Insure
When you think about the cost of the vehicle that you commute in, you may primarily think about the cost of your car loan payment. However, the cost of your auto insurance premium also should be considered. You can save money on auto insurance by shopping around for a better rate, adjusting your deductible, altering your coverage types and limits, taking advantage of discounts and more. You may not realize it, but the car that you select also affects your insurance rate. Some of the more affordable vehicles to insure include the Buick Rendezvous, the Buick Terraza, the Honda Odyssey, the Subaru Outback, the Ford Five Hundred, the Chrysler Town and Country and others. A smart idea is to get insurance quotes on a few models that you are most interested in buying before finalizing your buying decision.
Cars With the Best Gas Mileage
Filling up your tank regularly is another expense related to your commute that you should turn your attention to. Depending on the length of your commute and the overall fuel efficiency of your vehicle, you may fill up your tank at least once or twice per week. Trading in a gas guzzler for a more fuel-efficient vehicle is a great way to reduce this expense. A few of the more fuel-efficient vehicles include the Prius with 52 miles per gallon overall, the Ioniq also with 52 miles per gallon, the Camry with 47 combined miles per gallon, the Kia Niro with 43 combined miles per gallon overall and others.
Vehicles With the Best Warranty
It is easy to overlook the cost of repairs and maintenance on your vehicle, but with many miles being placed on your vehicle each week, wear and tear can be considerable. Some vehicles are sold with the first six to 12 months of oil changes and other basic services included. This could save you a small amount of money initially, but you generally should plan to handle maintenance costs on your own. The warranty that covers the powertrain and other components can cover many of the more expensive repair issues that could develop over the years. If you plan to drive the same car for many years, it makes sense to look for a vehicle with a longer warranty period. The Kia and Hyundai lines both have a 10-year powertrain warranty. Keep in mind, however, that this warranty period is reduced if you buy a used vehicle.
All of these factors will impact your commute in different ways, and there is no single car that is a best fit for all commuters. For example, if you have a longer commute, gas mileage may be your top concern. If you have a tight budget with fewer miles driven, the car loan payment and auto insurance may be more substantial concerns. If you are preparing to purchase a new commuter vehicle, create a list of the features that you need in a vehicle. This may include passenger seating, cargo space and other related features. Then, determine your overall budget and decide how long you plan to own the vehicle. After you have taken these steps, you can more easily narrow down the vehicles that are a best fit for you and that will be most affordable for you to drive over the years.
