
DRIVERS have been increasingly frustrated with how much it costs to purchase and maintain a new vehicle.Those who are looking to save thousands on a new car should try buying them at these specific places.GettyDrivers are frustrated with how much it costs to buy and maintain a new car[/caption]GettyIn some states, drivers can avoid paying taxes on a new vehicle[/caption]While buying a car is just the first cost, the upkeep of a new vehicle has become extremely expensive nowadays.
According to an AAA study from 2024, it costs a driver roughly $10,728 per year or $894 per month to own and operate a new vehicle in 2022. AAA reported that this was a “considerable increase” from 2021 when drivers paid $9,666 per year or $805.50 per month.
With gas prices skyrocketing, drivers are wondering if the cost of a new car is even worth it anymore.But fuel isn’t the only thing that is pushing the price tag — there are other hidden costs that drivers may not realize are adding up. Gas, repairs, and insurance costs all put a heavy burden on drivers.
According to Action News Jax, a local news outlet in Jacksonville, Florida, the biggest burden falls on car owners in Georgia who pay an average of $687 a month to keep their vehicles running. However, there is one thing drivers can do to avoid paying an extra couple thousand on new cars. In some states like Alaska, Delaware, Montana, Oregon, and New Hampshire, there is no sales tax on cars.
This means prospective car buyers who purchase a new vehicle there could save thousands right off the bat. For many Americans, driving is a necessity, not a desire. Some Americans live in states with limited transportation — where trains or buses aren’t accessible — and need a car to get around.
According to Data for Progress, voters feel they have “no choice but to use cars as much as they do,” especially considering the alternatives.With President Trump’s tariffs looming over the auto industry, consumers and dealerships are worried about how it will impact prices. Tips on buying a used carWhen looking to buy a used car, U.
S. News & World Report experts have a few tips before walking onto the sales lot. Set a realistic budget.
Some cars are more expensive to insure and register than others depending on engine type, body style, weight, and the amount of doors. Before being swindled by a crafty salesman, it’s important to know what you can and can’t afford.Researching what car would fit best into your lifestyle can save a lot of time.
Would a sedan work better for your garage or narrow street? Would a truck meet hauling or towing needs? Knowing what suits your needs can narrow down your options.Look into certified pre-owned cars. Certified pre-owned cars are backed by the manufacturer and come with comprehensive warranties at affordable prices.
Some manufacturers have better deals on CPO cars, so research diligently. Not all financing options are created equal. Depending on where you look to finance, if that’s on the table, be very careful about who you finance with.
Your best option would be to get preapproved by your bank before going in to give you an idea of what rates are affordable, and to give a dealership incentive to meet or beat those rates.Consider a used car inspection. Depending on where you’re buying a vehicle from, you can opt to pay roughly $200 for a used car inspection to have key components examined by an expert.
Consider a vehicle history report. When things get close to signing, buying a vehicle history report based on the VIN can help clarify the previous owners, maintenance records (if it was taken to a dealership), title status, and more.Source: U.
S. News and World ReportThe president is proposing a 25% tax on auto parts coming from Canada and Mexico. So, each time a part crosses a checkpoint or a border, there will be an additional fee.
Due to this, automakers are scrambling to shift production to the United States. Honda announced its plans to manufacture one of its vehicles at a factory in Indiana, instead of its original base in Mexico.“Consumers are paying more attention when purchasing a new vehicle since everything is more expensive right now,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive engineering.
“With the recent increase in fuel prices, more and more people want to know the true costs of owning a car beyond their monthly payment.”.