Tip Number One
Follow the Recommended Maintenance
Follow the Recommended Maintenance
A vehicle that is well maintained means it will operate with greater efficiency. This not only improves your overall vehicle performance, but it will improve your fuel economy as well. Fouled spark plugs or a clogged fuel filter will affect your fuel economy. Proper maintenance also means using the right octane gas and the recommended grade of motor oil. Using the recommended types for your vehicle will give you optimum fuel economy — and can save you money as well. Check your owner's manual for your vehicle's recommendations and have maintenance performed regularly by a dealer or reputable mechanic.
Advice from Greg
High-Mileage Vehicles - Are you willing to take a chance to save yourself many thousands of dollars? Safety-conscious people on a budget might want to consider late-model cars with high miles. I have sold and driven 1- and 2-year-old cars with high (50,000 - 75,000) mileage almost exclusively for the past four years and haven't experienced any more maintenance expenses than with a typical average (15,000 - 30,000) mileage 1- or 2-year-old-car. The more miles a vehicle has on it the shorter its functional life will be no matter how well cared for it was, but since an average car lasts for 145,000 miles, a vehicle with 60,000 miles can still give you six or seven years of useful transportation, if you drive 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year. The big advantage is driving new technology while paying for old. For example, a 2-year-old 1998 Ford Taurus GL with 65,000 miles in excellent condition would cost about $7500. A 5-year-old 1995 Taurus GL in the same shape with only 30,000 miles on it would cost you about the same. While the '95 Taurus was a safe car in its day, the '98 version is a very safe, totally modern car with dual airbags, antilock brakes, remote locks, and the best cup holders in the business. If you are on a limited budget and willing to take a chance, a 1 or 2-year-old high mileage full or mid-sized domestic sedan is one of the best used car values.
