An article by Bustle recently revealed 17 millennial women’s most expensive purchases, and the vast majority of them were cars - save for a few that splurged on coats and handbags instead (we totally sympathise). If you’re no fancy car expert and mostly see them as a source of getting you from A to B, you’ll benefit from a number of super-handy tips that could help save you thousands on your purchase and insurance. Go on. 
 

Know the price (and value) of your car.

• Do your research and be well-versed with how much your car is worth. How much does it cost when brand spanking new? Is the price of the car greatly reduced when lightly used, or if it's a slightly older model? Do you feel like you may mostly be paying for a pretty design? Is the car an eco-efficient model, one that uses less fuel thus saving you money in the long run?
• There’s plethora of car-cost comparison websites out there, so do some digging (and sniffing) out for the real winning deals. Don't forget to read the reviews, and be realistic about your expectations. A vintage VW beetle may look adorable, but a family-friendly vehicle it is not.
• Buying a car doesn’t only involve the price tag of the vehicle - there’s a bunch of additional charges you’ll be expected to shell out, from servicing to insurance.
• Speak to a range of dealers, both online and offline, and see what they offer. Don’t be pressured into making a hasty decision to buy - this is a serious purchase, and one that you deserve to take some time to mull over.
• Did you know there are good and bad times to buy a car? Nope, we didn’t either. Car salespeople tend to try and make quotas at the end of the month, end of the quarter or end of the year, which is the time you’ll be most likely to strike a good deal.

What’s the deal with car insurance?

• Car insurance is a legal requirement, even if yours spends most of its time sitting in the garage. If your car isn’t insured, you can end up being fined thousands of pounds - so be diligent and make sure you’re covered.
• There are a number of car insurance policy types out there - make sure to pick one that’s best for your needs. From third party insurance to fully comprehensive car insurance, you can find out more about what these deals entail over at Moneysupermarket.
• Know your car insurance glossary. Annual premium and conviction code may sound like terms that belong in CSI, but they’re actually key to understanding your car insurance. Check out this super helpful car insurance glossary of terms to help keep your head above the water.
• As always, shop around before you settle for “just any” deal. Take a look at what’s on offer – comparison websites like MoneySupermarket and CarWow do the job fabulously.

Credit photo: Unsplash / Mick Tinbergen.