Purchase, operating costs, insurance, inspection and loss of value: A new car involves high expenses. If you want to get it under control, you should recalculate your investment over the next five years. We'll explain how you can keep track of everything and reduce car maintenance costs. Because even if driving can cost you a lot, you can still save money here and there.
Reduce car maintenance costs: an overview of the cost types
Most car owners are initially unaware of the costs they will incur. We offer you an overview of the different types of costs:
Purchase price.The monthly leasing or financing rates as well as special payments are taken into account here. Before you buy, you should think about what kind of car suits your lifestyle.
Since then, electric carsare subsidized by the state, many buyers ask themselves whether purchasing an electric vehicle is really worthwhile. Comparisons show that purchasing an electric car is only worthwhile in the upper price segment. In the small and compact classes, the equipment costs alone are 50% more than for gasoline cars. But the investment could pay off for frequent drivers because they canSave money on fuel.
Operating costs.These include, among other things, expenses for fuel, engine oil, and car care and cleaning. Basically, drivers who travel a lot should choose diesel. If you rarely drive, then gasoline makes more sense.
Maintenance costs.Brakes, wearing parts, tire changes, as well as planned repairs recommended by the manufacturer are included here.
Fixed costsfor garage or parking space, insurance, taxes and comprehensive insurance are borne by every car owner every month, regardless of whether the car is driven or not.
Loss of value.Even a new car loses value after you buy it. In the first year the loss in value is on average 25%, from the second year onwards it can vary between 5% - 6%.
This is how you can save money
The total cost of a car can be hundreds or even several thousand euros per month. That's why it's very important to list all types of costs in a table and to be clear about what planned costs you will incur. It is also worth setting aside a small sum each month for exceptional cases. There are also other ways to reduce monthly costs:
1.If you drive to work every day, you have the option of deducting the travel costs from your taxes. For this purpose, a distance allowance is claimed in the tax return. Every employee should find the shortest route between their place of residence and their place of work. The flat rate is then calculated based on the length of the route. Basically, 30 cents per km are reimbursed.
2.Another way to reduce overall costs is to rent out your own car. For example, car rentals between private individuals are arranged on the Drivy platform, Europe's largest car sharing community. Tenants are put in touch with car owners in the area. All trips are insured and contracts are signed with every booking. The car rental companies can set the rental price themselves, determine the period and earn an average of around 680 euros per month. Car owners who drive their car little or only at certain times of the day can earn money with Drivy and use it to cover their monthly expenses.
