You probably already know that average car prices are now up to over $33,000, with top names exceeding that. In fact, some new cars come on the market at the price of a large house. Even for high earners, that means years of saving and a whole lot of leg-work. But, is it really worth spending $33,000 or more on a new model? No one can deny, of course, that new releases like the 2019 Acura NSX are hot. Anyone would jump at the chance to own a vehicle with 573 horsepower, V6, three electric motors, and a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
But, the whole thing starts looks a lot less appealing when you consider the $157,500 price tag.
The good news is that there are simple ways to save yourself that $33,000. And, not all of them mean missing out on new releases altogether.
The path to car improvement
You could always improve the vehicle you’ve got. It seems simple, but we often ignore this when a shiny new model calls. Yet there are all manner of improvements, from coilovers to tech additions, which could make your vehicle up there with those new models. And, these additions typically cost a fraction of the price.
Even something as simple as getting a new paint job on your Audi A3 1.6 could see your driving journey feeling fresh, all for a whole lot less than you’d spend on this year’s Audi Q8. Equally, additional suspension improvements for your 1990s Mazda using this coilover guide would save you a fortune compared to investing in the latest MX5 release. All you need to make these improvements is a little know-how of what’s on the market now, and how you can change your current vehicle to achieve the same results.
The two-year wait
New cars typically lose a third of their value the moment you drive out of the garage. But, this fast decrease in value can be a blessing as much as it is a curse. That’s because, with the car market moving so fast, even waiting as little as two years before buying a car second hand could see you saving yourself a small fortune. Even better, you reduce the risks of a sudden decrease in value leaving you out of pocket. And, let’s be honest; two years really isn’t that long to wait.
The logical investment
This last point might not save you money now, but it can make a purchase more worthwhile in the long-run. In some cases, it’s fair to say that top-end manufacturers stick massive price tags on to make a car seem more valuable than it actually is. Before paying those excessive prices, then, it’s always worth asking whether the car is worth the cost attached. If you deem that it is, then you can take your vehicle home and live happily ever after. If not, then it might be better off spending your $33,000 in a place which is more worthy of your investment.
