Are you looking for a car that’s perfect for your teenager? Choosing the right car for a teenager is important because it needs to be safe, reliable, and affordable. In this article, we have compiled a list of ten cars that meet these criteria. From the popular Honda Civic to the versatile Subaru Outback, we’ve got you covered. So, if you want to help your teenager get behind the wheel of a car that will keep them safe and happy, keep reading!
1. Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is a great car for teenagers because it is affordable, has good safety ratings, and comes with many features. It has a unique box-car design that sets it apart from other cars in its class, and it offers a spacious and comfortable interior. The Kia Soul is also known for its reliability and comes with a long warranty, which can give parents and teenagers peace of mind. Additionally, it has good fuel economy, making it an affordable car to operate. Overall, the Kia Soul is a great option for teenagers who want a fun and practical car that offers good value for money.
2. Toyota Corolla Hatchback
This Toyota Corolla Hatchback does a lot of things right. It has a sleek and modern design and offers a comfortable and spacious interior. It also provides good fuel economy, making it an affordable car to operate. In terms of features, it comes with many standard features, such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Additionally, it has a reputation for being a reliable car and comes with a long warranty which keeps both parents and teenagers at ease in case of mishaps. In general, the Toyota Corolla hatchback is an excellent option for teenagers who want a feature-packed, reliable car.
3. VW Golf
The Volkswagen Golf could be a suitable car for teenagers due to its practicality, performance, and comfort. It features a modern and attractive design and provides spacious and comfortable seating for up to five passengers. The Golf also delivers good fuel efficiency, which can help keep operating costs low. It comes equipped with several standard features, including a user-friendly infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Additionally, the Golf has earned good safety ratings, making it a safe option for teenagers. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the Golf may be more expensive than some other cars in its class, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget.
4. Honda Fit
This is an excellent car for teenagers and beginner drivers. With its compact design, great safety features, and affordable price, the Honda Fit is a sure bet for any teenager. It is designed to be very fuel-efficient and can help you get the most out of your gas money. Not to mention the numerous airbags, which of course, keeps you safe and help you convince your parents to get you this car. The Honda Fit is also extremely easy to drive because of its size, and like the name, it can fit in the tiniest parking spaces. So the Honda Fit is definitely a strong recommendation from us.
5. Mazda III
The Mazda III is a practical, stylish, and enjoyable car that could be a great option for teenagers. Its sporty and sleek design provides a comfortable and spacious interior that can accommodate up to five passengers. The Mazda3 also delivers a responsive and engaging driving experience, making it a fun car to drive. It comes equipped with several standard features, including a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Additionally, the Mazda3 is known for its reliability, and its long warranty is a huge money saver if any mishaps occur. With good safety ratings, the Mazda3 is also a safe option for young drivers.
6. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is an excellent off-road vehicle, just like the name implies. It performs well in both an off-road and on-road setting. Its spacious interior makes it the perfect car for camping trips. This car also boasts excellent safety features and even a built-in seat warmer if you’re in snowy weather. It’s also very fuel-efficient and can be great for long-distance travel. Finally, its greatest selling point is its price. The Subaru holds a massive advantage over other cars in this class. In conclusion, the Subaru is an excellent choice for young drivers.
7. Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent is a budget-friendly, suitable option for teenagers. It features a modern and straightforward design and a spacious interior that can accommodate up to five passengers. The Accent also delivers good fuel efficiency, which can help keep operating costs low. It comes standard with several features, including an easy-to-use infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Furthermore, the Accent is renowned for being a dependable car, and its long warranty can give parents and teenagers peace of mind. With good safety ratings, the Hyundai Accent is also a secure car for teenagers to drive.
8. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a versatile car that could be an excellent option for teenagers. Its sporty and modern design provides a spacious and comfortable interior that can accommodate up to five passengers. The Civic also delivers a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, making it a fun car to drive around town. Equipped with a host of standard features, such as an easy-to-use infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, the Civic offers convenience and practicality. The Honda Civic is also renowned for being dependable, and it rarely breaks down. With excellent safety ratings, the Civic is also a safe choice for young drivers.
9. Toyota Prius
Don’t be afraid to be mistaken as an Uber driver with the Toyota Prius. This excellent car has become a staple in the commercial transportation space because of its versatility, efficiency, and affordability. The Toyota Prius flaunts exceptional fuel economy, making it an eco-friendly car that can help keep fuel costs low. It comes equipped with many standard features, such as a user-friendly infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. In addition, the Prius is also very reliable and doesn’t break down easily so it is highly recommended for young drivers who are prone to making some errors.
10. Chevrolet Sonic
The Chevrolet Sonic is a compact and versatile car that could be a great choice for teenagers. Its modern and stylish exterior hides a comfortable and spacious interior that can accommodate up to five passengers. With good fuel efficiency, the Sonic can help teenagers save money on gas, and its standard features, such as an intuitive infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera, offer convenience and safety. The Sonic also offers a smooth and agile driving experience, making it fun to drive on city roads. It’s a reliable car that is backed by a long warranty, which can provide peace of mind for parents and teenagers alike. Furthermore, the Sonic has good safety ratings, making it a safe option for young drivers.
Buying a car for a teenager can be a daunting task, but there are plenty of great options available on the market. The cars listed above are some of the best cars for teenagers, offering a combination of safety, reliability, affordability, and practicality. Whether you’re looking for a compact car for city driving or an SUV for off-road adventures, there’s a car on this list that can meet your needs.
25 Extraordinary Sequels and Remakes That Outshine the Originals
Every once in a while, a movie sequel or remake surpasses the original film. After polling the internet, “Name a single movie where the sequel or remake was better than the original?” Here are the top-voted responses.
25 Extraordinary Sequels and Remakes That Outshine the Originals
25 Blockbuster Films With Behind-The-Scenes Turmoil Unknown to the Public
Several big movies with significant nightmare productions have some seriously delicious tea. After a recent poll on the internet, here are twenty-five films with disasters that made filming difficult.
25 Blockbuster Films With Behind-The-Scenes Turmoil Unknown to the Public
10 Celebrities Who Are Universally Disliked
People will always have preferences and something to say about celebrities. What you might love may not be the same for others. Whether it’s about their past behaviors, legal issues, or feuds with other celebrities, here is a list of celebrities people just cannot stand.
10 Celebrities Who Are Universally Disliked
Have you ever known someone and thought you liked them—until you learned about their hobbies? Then you get to know them and then you’re like, “Wow, red flag.” Well, you’re not alone.
These 10 Activities Are an Immediate Red Flag
We’ve all been there – sitting through a movie that we can’t help but cringe at, but somehow it still manages to hold a special place in our hearts.
These 10 Terrible Movies Are Still People’s Favorites
Jonathan at My Money Blog has been writing about personal finance for two years now. Here’s some excellent advice on the standard-of-living trap.
One thing I worry about is lifestyle inflation. No matter how little or how much someone earns, their spending tends to match their income. When you’re living the student life, your friends are also broke, and it’s easy to eat frozen pizza for dinner and manage without a car. That was probably one of the funnest periods in your life! But when you have more money, you start looking to upgrade: a nicer car, a bigger house, brand name clothes, cooler gadgets. Call it peer pressure, entitlement, or simply money burning a hole in your pocket.
As we progress along our career paths, here are a couple of things that my wife and I are trying to do in order to try and inflation-proof our spending:
Put saving first. You’ve heard it before, but that’s because it’s works. Pay yourself first. If you get a raise, immediately increase the percentage going into your 401k, IRA, or savings account. The less that’s ending up in your checking account, the less you’ll have the urge to spend.
Put debt last. Making more does not mean you can borrow more, contrary to what the credit card companies or other lenders may suggest. Even though I now have credit lines nearing $20,000 on a single card (which is totally crazy to me), I would never consider using that money to buy any depreciating asset.
Living on one income. Our goal has always been to be able to both work half-time in order to have more time to raise our future children. If this can’t happen, then one of us will work while the other stays home. Right now, we are trying to do this even though both of us are currently working. Doing this will force us to deal with less money and place more importance on the other things in life.
Buy an affordable house. For most people their largest monthly expense is housing. Affordable does not mean what the bank will let you borrow! By simply buying the biggest house possible, you’re also inflating many other things. You have to furnish all those extra bedrooms, heat them every winter, cool them every summer, and insure them. Sure, it will appreciate more, but that money could be put towards other investments. As we plan to live in a very expensive area, this rule will probably be the hardest for us not to break, especially with our one-income rule.
Be realistic about cars. Probably the second largest monthly expense for many. I personally love cars — they were part of the reason I became an engineer. But I also know that a new luxury car means more than just higher monthly payments. It means more expensive insurance, maintenance costs, and repairs. It also likely has a bigger engine, which means less fuel economy, and may even require premium-grade fuel. We have never even owned a new car before.
Basically, we are trying to define a comfortable, simple lifestyle that focuses on what is really important to us. We realize that our standard of living is already greater than 99% of the world. Anything we buy or purchase should be in response to an actual need or something we really value, not simply because “we can afford it”. The things that we buy on a $75,000 salary shouldn’t be much different than if we had a $750,000 salary. For example, my wife cuts my hair because I like having a simple haircut, it’s not difficult, and she does it how I like it. Even if we become millionaires someday, she’ll still cut my hair.
Fuel prices have been hovering at record levels around the United States for the past few weeks. Now is a good time to review the best ways to improve your gas mileage and save money at the tank. I scoured dozens of websites and read hundreds of tips — these are the best of the bunch.
Save Money With Your Vehicle
Purchase a fuel-efficient car The best way to save money on gas is to drive a fuel-efficient car. It’s probably impractical to replace your current car for something that costs less to run, but if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, keep fuel economy in mind. Consumer Reports has several lists of fuel-efficient vehicles:
A list of the most fuel-efficient cars they’ve tested (CR loves the Toyota Prius)
A list of fuel-efficient SUVs
A list of cars that combine fuel efficiency and performance
This calculator from fueleconomy.gov allows you to compare the cost difference between two vehicles based on their MPG.
Keep your vehicle well maintained A car in poor running condition will use more gas than one that has been tuned up. According to this checklist at Advance Auto Parts, a dirty air filter can reduce gas mileage up to 20%. They also note that spark plugs in poor condition can reduce gas mileage up to 12%.
Be wary of gas-saving products The U.S. Federal Trade Commission warns that most gas-saving products are bogus: “Be wary of any gas-saving claims for automotive devices or oil and gas additives. Even for the few gas-saving products that have been found to work, the savings have been small.” Consumer Reports says, “Don’t waste your money.”
Keep tires properly inflated Underinflated tires aren’t just dangerous — they devour fuel economy by as much as 25%! (I know this from experience — whenever I notice a drop in MPG, my tires are usually low.) Overinflated tires aren’t efficient, either. Also keep your tires balanced and in alignment.
Save Money by Thinking Ahead
Find the best prices Use the web to research the lowest prices in your neighborhood. For example, GasBuddy.com is “a network of more than 179+ gas price information websites that help you find low gasoline prices.”
Buy gas from a wholesale club Some Costco or Sam’s Club stores offer their members discounts of up to ten cents per gallon on fuel. Our local Safeway store gives us a three-cent discount on gas after we spend a certain amount on groceries. (Though we’d have to drive 25 miles to find a place to use it!)
Alter your commute time If possible, schedule your trips and errands for times when traffic is lighter. In an insanely detailed article, Omninerd found that commute times varied widely depending on the time the author left the house. If your company allows it, try coming in earlier or later in order to avoid rush hour.
Optimize your travel Consolidate trips: If you know you have to buy groceries, take your clothes to the dry cleaner at the same time, and then drop little Johnny at soccer practice. Combine multiple trips into one.
Lighten your load Carry only the bare necessities — don’t haul things in your trunk. “For every extra 250 pounds your engine hauls, the car loses about one mile per gallon in fuel economy.” [via Bankrate]
Reduce drag About half of your vehicle’s energy is expended overcoming air resistance. (The other half is expended in acceleration.) Reduce your car’s workload — remove anything that might cause drag: luggage racks, bike racks, ski racks, etc,
Save Money at the Pump
Buy gas on Wednesdays “Gas prices are statistically the cheapest on Wednesdays, but this is only true over a large number of days. It won’t be true every week.” Gas prices often jump before holidays, too. [via WikiHow]
Don’t go out of your way to save a few pennies on gas If it’s convenient to shop at a cheaper place, do so. If not, don’t. On a ten-gallon fill-up, saving five cents a gallon only nets you fifty cents. My car costs about 36 cents per mile to operate. It doesn’t make sense for me to go a mile out of my way to find cheaper gas.
Buy gas during the coolest times of the day “During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind – gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to ‘volume of measurement’.” [via HowToAdvice.com]
Use the right octane level for your car Using premium gasoline in an engine designed to run on regular doesn’t improve performance. Even some vehicles that call for higher octane fuels can run on regular unleaded, though with some loss of performance. (Check your owner’s manual.) You can save money by using the lowest octane rated gasoline that your car will tolerate.
Don’t top off your tank Trust the auto-shutoff. Overfilling can lead to wasted gas.
Be sure your gas cap is tight “Improperly seated gas caps allow 147 million gallons of fuel to vaporize every year in the U.S.” [via Advance Auto Parts]
Use a gas credit card I don’t like credit cards, but the best gas rewards credit cards can be a good way to save a few cents per gallon. Just be sure to pay off your balance at the end of the month!
The Nut Behind the Wheel
Drive at a constant moderate speed Edmunds.com found that the best way to improve fuel efficiency was to accelerate slowly and to brake over a longer distance. Aside from purchasing a new vehicle, this is the single most effective step you can take to reduce your costs. According to fueleconomy.gov: “As a rule of thumb, you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas.”
Use cruise control If you’re like me, your driving speed tends to fluctuate. Cruise control takes the human element out of the equation and keeps driving speeds steady. It’s the easy way to drive at a constant moderate pace.
Don’t idle Turn off your engine if you’ll be idling for more than thirty seconds. Starting your vehicle does use a burst of fuel, but not as much as allowing the engine to idle too long.
Anticipate stop signs and lights Plan ahead. The less you have to stop, the better your gas mileage. Make it a game to catch all of the green lights. Laugh at the other guy as he sprints from red to red.
Keep your cool Most people claim that it makes more sense to use air conditioning on the highway and to roll down the windows in city traffic. It’s commonly claimed that either method is going to reduce your fuel economy by about 10%. But according to research performed by found, there’s no real difference between driving with the windows down or using the air conditioner. Consumer Reports obtained similar results:
Air conditioning uses about 1 mpg, but safety (and comfort) increase with use. Opening windows made no significant difference in our gas mileage.
Do what works for you. (But please: don’t run your air conditioner with the windows open.)
Drive less!!! Walk. Ride your bike. Take public transit. Carpool. Combine errands. It’s obvious, but easy to forget: the less you drive, the less you’ll spend on gas.
Additional Resources
For more information on fuel economy, check out the following sites:
What are your favorite tips and tricks for saving money on gas?
How fuel efficient is your vehicle? Do you ever get the suspicion, as I do, that your car’s gas mileage is getting worse? Have you ever wondered how your mileage compares to other drivers? And what about the estimated mileage touted by the car companies? Does a Mini Cooper really get 37 miles per gallon?
Matt Haughey and Paul Bausch have launched a new site called Fuelly, which allows users to track their vehicles’ fuel economy and to compare data with other drivers. As you enter data for each fuel up, Fuelly tracks your average number of miles per tank, your average cost per tank, your fuel efficiency, and more.
If you’d like to compare information with other users, you may:
Fuelly is brand new, so data is scarce. Over the next few weeks, however, users will fill their tanks, and then people will then be able to compare mileage and track their own vehicles’ performance. (For a preview of extended data, check out dredpyrate’s 2004 Mini Cooper, which has data all the way back to the first of the year! It gets 32.8 miles per gallon.)
I think this is a great idea. Fuelly taps the power of the masses to compile real fuel efficiency data so that users can find ways to save money. Brilliant. Because Fuelly is new, it is not without bugs. Haughey and Bausch promise to squelch these soon, and to add new features, such as metric units and support for additional vehicles (like scooters and uncommon cars).
I’m awful at maintaining my vehicles. Spectacularly bad. I have always relied on someone else to take care of oil changes, check tire pressure, and whatever else cars need to have done on a regular basis. When it rains, I congratulate myself for having washed the car.
I’m not into cars, obviously — never have been. Vehicles simply get me from point A to point B.
The problem is that the other people I rely on, like my dad and husband, also have their own cars and maintenance schedules to remember. And, as I found out last week, not maintaining my car will cost more not only in the long run, but also every time I fill up my gas tank. Don’t make fun — I really didn’t know this! The mechanic helpfully explained how fuel injectors affect gas mileage. I knew it was time to start taking better care of my car.
Thinking that perhaps others might not know these things, and with gas at more than $4 a gallon in some places, I thought we all could use a maintenance schedule to help us squeeze every last mile out of each gallon of gas and improve fuel economy.
The following schedule will help improve engine performance and increase the miles per gallon, so you can save money on gas:
Once a month: Check your tire pressure. Under-inflated tires can cause accidents; increase wear (meaning you’ll be shelling out for new tires sooner than you should); and waste 5 million gallons of fuel per day, according to the U.S. The Department of Transportation.
Give your tires a visual once-over whenever you fuel up, and once a month use a digital tire gauge to make sure your tires have the pressure level required for your car. You can find pressure level on a sticker in the doorjamb on the driver side or in the owner’s manual. You can improve your fuel economy by up to 3.3% by keeping your tires at the proper pressure, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Every three to six months: Change the oil. Changing the oil is important, but make sure you’re using the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil, which will improve fuel efficiency, according to the U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency.
Although the accepted rule of thumb has been to change oil every 3,000 miles, Edmunds says that’s an outdated rule that wastes oil and money. The average car has an oil change interval of around 7,800 miles, but check your owner’s manual to make sure you aren’t going too long between changes, needlessly having them done too often.
Every four months: Rotate the tires. Neglecting to rotate your tires leads to increased road noise, lower fuel economy, and decreased traction. You’ll also be shelling out cash to replace your tires sooner. The general recommendation is to rotate your tires every four months or 5,000 miles, but some cars can go longer in between rotations.
Every year: Replace the air filter and get a tune-up. According to The Department of Energy, cars manufactured before the 1980s (those with carbureted engines) will see anywhere from a 2% to 14% improvement in MPG by replacing the air filter, depending on the current condition of the filter. Replacing a clogged air filter on modern cars (those with fuel-injected, computer-controlled gasoline engines), however, improves performance, but not fuel economy, according to a new study.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a tune-up can improve a vehicle’s gas mileage by an average of 4%, depending on the type of repair needed and how well it is done. A tune-up will include a comprehensive check of the car’s systems and fluid levels. Specific to fuel efficiency are replacing or cleaning the spark plugs and wires; replacing the distributor cap, fuel filter, PCV valve, and oxygen sensor; and cleaning the fuel injectors, if needed.
These services can yield significant savings in terms of MPG. The Department of Energy reports that fixing a faulty oxygen sensor, for example, can improve mileage by as much as 40%. Clogged or restricted fuel filters will reduce engine performance and allow dirt into the system, which wears on the engine. (Some manufacturers recommend replacing fuel filters every 2 years or 24,000 miles, others every 3 years or 36,000 miles.)
Finally, remember that these are just general guidelines. Before setting a maintenance schedule, refer to your car’s service manual. Some mechanics might push more frequent tune-ups or oil changes, but it’s best to stick to the factory recommendations to make sure you’re getting the maximum MPG and not overpaying for unnecessary services. Just because the sticker on your windshield says to get an oil change every 3,000 miles doesn’t mean that’s right for your vehicle!
If it’s March, it must be time to talk about cars. The annual auto issue of Consumer Reports landed in my mailbox this week, and I spent some time skimming the pages.
I’m not nearly as interested in car info as I used to be, but I know that many folks are in the market for a new car, and I think Consumer Reports is a great source for info. Plus, it’s fun to review their findings to see what (if anything) has changed.
This year, the Consumer Reports website — even the part that’s not behind a paywall — has plenty of useful info. There are video reviews of top cars again in 2012, although external embedding has been disabled (meaning I can’t share a video with you here — you have to go to the CR website to see them yourself). You can access all of the free, public content from the site’s April 2012 issue homepage. But let’s review some of the major news.
Note: Because I continue to love my 2004 Mini Cooper (which I bought used), I’ll throw in random Mini stats throughout this article, as I do every year. Humor me.
Here are the Consumer Reports top-rated vehicles in ten categories (with previous years’ top cars in parentheses).
Affordable family sedan (formerly budget car): Hyundai Sonata (2011: Honda Fit)
Family hauler: Toyota Sienna V6 (2011: Toyota Sienna, 2010: Mazda5, 2007-2009: Toyota Sienna)
Family sedan: Toyota Camry Hybrid (2010-2011: Nissan Altima, 2007-2009: Honda Accord)
Family SUV: Toyota Highlander (2011: Kia Sorento, 2010: Chevrolet Traverse, 2009: Toyota Highlander, 2008: Hyundai Santa Fe, 2007: Toyota Highlander Hybrid)
Green car: Toyota Prius (2007-2011: Toyota Prius)
Pickup Truck: Chevrolet Avalanche (2011: Chevrolet Avalanche, 2010: Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2009: Chevrolet Avalanche, 2008: Chevrolet Silverado 1500)
Small car: Subaru Impreza (2011: Hyundai Elantra, 2008-2010: Hyundai Elantra SE, 2007: Honda Civic)
Small SUV: Toyota RAV4 (2011: Toyota RAV4, 2010: Subaru Forester, 2007-2009: Toyota RAV4)
Sports sedan: Infiniti G (2009-2011: Infiniti G37, 2007-2008: Infiniti G35)
Sporty Car: Ford Mustang (2011: Ford Mustang, 2010: Volkswagen GTI, 2007-2009: Mazda MX-5 Miata)
The magazine no longer picks a “best car overall”, but if it did, that honor would probably go once again to the Lexus LS 460L, which used to claim the top spot every year, and which continues to have the top road score for all vehicles (with 99 our of 100 possible points). (As in previous years, the Mini Cooper scored an 81 on the road test for 2012.)
To me, the big shocker was the rating of top automakers. For years, Honda has ruled the roost in the Consumer Reports‘ annual round-up. Not this year. This year, Honda fell to fourth place. Who’s number one? Subaru. (Although, to be fair, Subaru, Mazda, Toyota, and Honda are all bunched close together at the top of the chart.) Lowly Chrysler brings up the rear.
This year, there’s a clear winner in fuel economy. The Nissan Leaf gets an astounding 106 miles per gallon. (In reality, as a couple of readers have noted, as an electric car, the Leaf doesn’t actually use any gasoline.) The Chevrolet Volt gets 61 mpg to take second place. Then there are a bunch of hybrids at about 38-44 mpg. Consumer Reports says that the Mini Cooper gets 30 mpg, and that’s exactly what mine has averaged over the past six months (and it’s eight years old!). The worst fuel economy? There’s a four-way tie at 13 mpg: Cadillac Escalade, Dodge Ram 2500 (diesel), Ford Expedition EL, and Lincoln Navigator.
In addition to ratings of 276 vehicles, the 2012 auto issue also includes a round-up of top tires, info on individual model reliability, a summary of safety statistics, and a guide to buying used cars.
For a second year, the magazine has done away with some useful info for finding inexpensive gems. I miss the “most overlooked cars” list, for instance. I’m not sure there’s much use to the “top driving gripes” and the “features we love and loathe” lists that take up and entire page. This is USA Today level fluff; I’d rather see some sort of useful data.
Some of the material from the Consumer Reports 2012 Auto Issue is freely available on their website. For instance, check out these useful pages about used cars:
The best used vehicles for under $20,000
Best used cars for fuel economy
Other information, however, is locked behind a paywall. And don’t forget that you can always find great info on the Consumer Reports car blog.
From the Archives
Don’t forget that Get Rich Slowly features car-buying tips from time-to-time. Notable articles include:
I also recommend two older AskMetafilter threads:
The Consumer Reports car issue is an excellent resource. If you think you might purchase a vehicle soon, I recommend it. But I think it’s a little dangerous to pick up just for the sake of browsing. You may find yourself moved from merely curious to “itching to buy”!
Inside: Learn why you may want to drive a beater car. Plus find tips to make sure you are getting a good deal.
Okay, let’s preface with… my dad has been in the car industry for over 40 years. So, I have grown up in dealerships, car garages, and service centers. My friends call me an expert, but I prefer to just be helpful so they don’t overpay when buying or getting repairs done.
Now, that authority is established, let me help you understand the beater car mentality.
If you are looking for a cheap used car, but don’t know where to find one, check out this guide that will help you get started.
Buying a used car can be tricky. It’s not just about finding one that is inexpensive, but also getting the right size for you and your lifestyle.
There tends to be more mystery surrounding what it’s like buying a new car from the dealership than an old one from somewhere else.
The main reason is that usually, they do not disclose how much of the price tag is going towards depreciation. What happens when your brand-new vehicle goes through years worth of wear and tear? It depreciates at a staggering rate and you end up with the same old car that’s only worth what is left of it.
Did you notice that keyword in the last paragraph – depreciation!
For many who are choosing to lower their costs and pursing FIRE movement, they know that a brand new car will depreciate the most within the first five years.
In this article, I will be shedding some light on how to find a cheap used car in your area if you are shopping for one. Also, if you are maintaining a beater car, you will find the tips to make sure your car lasts many more years.
Driving a beater car is not a sign of being poor or reckless. You still need proper auto insurance to drive.
With this guide, you’ll find out which cars have what features and quality that will fit your needs and lifestyle. Now, let’s find a car with features that are important to get around town and save your wallet!
What Is a Beater Car?
A beater car is usually an older, higher-mileage vehicle that still runs and is legal to drive.
The term “beater” was coined because many of them have cosmetic damage and mismatched paint.
A beater car is rarely pretty but “gets the job” when it comes to getting you and yours from here to there.
What is the point of a beater car?
A beater car is a reliable and easy-to-fix car that is cheaper than a new car.
The point of a beater car is to save money and reduce the amount of maintenance that needs to be done on it.
It has little intrinsic value, & while not “easy on the eyes,” a beater car is generally a smart choice to wear into the ground.
There are many advantages to buying a used car, including insurance savings, tax breaks, and lower operational costs.
Beaters can also provide peace of mind because they are easier to repair if something does go wrong.
Should you drive beaters?
People are in different situations when they are buying cars.
The best customers for cheap cars are either first-time car buyers or people who have to save some cash to reach a financial goal they set in place.
On the other hand, if you like reliability, make income from your car, enjoy looking good, or do not know your way around a car, maybe you should skip a beaters car.
How Can You Recognize a Beater Car?
A beater car is a car that is older and cheaper than other cars in its class. It may also have high mileage or corrosion on the body. You can look for these signs to help you identify a beater car.
More than likely, they will be easy to spot. Many common ones include Honda, Toyota, and Suburu. Those are the engines that can keep on running!
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
Is a Beater Car Worth It?
Well, there are two sides to the coin on this one. So, we will present both arguments first.
Definitely Worth It
Simply put, a beater car is one that doesn’t cost a lot of cash. You can find reliable and affordable beaters if you know where to look. In most cases, the best way to find a cheap used car is by checking out local classified ads or online listings.
Beater cars are a great way to save money on all sorts of fronts.
For starters, they’re cheaper to buy than most other cars. Additionally, used cars can help with taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs.
In short, a cheap car is a great way to get around while keeping your expenses low.
Um, Hello – No!
A beater car is not worth it. There are many reasons why you should not buy a beat-up vehicle. The first reason is that they are cheap, and the owner will most likely not take care of them properly. Not only will the car need repairs, but you could also have to buy a new one.
Didn’t you know that you can lease a vehicle for next-to-nothing with a low-interest rate? (p.s. don’t fall for that line. Leasing a car is the worst thing you can do financially. That is a post for another day on leasing vs buying a car.)
All in all, it depends on what you need and what you can afford at the moment. For many, the answer to this question is yes, but only if you are looking for a cheap car.
What is the price of a beater car?
A used car is a vehicle that has been previously owned, so it has depreciated in value.
The price of a beater car is difficult to determine and varies depending on the quality of the vehicle, its condition, and what it might have been used for. Typically, you can find a solid mechanical vehicle for around $5000.
You can always check against the KBB price and run the VIN to check its reported history.
Beater Car Benefits:
The benefits of a beat-up car are listed here. Many people are proud of their vehicles and proudly want to be a part of the 200k miles club.
They include the opportunity to drive around with no maintenance, the ability to use it for parts, and the freedom from monthly payments.
A used car is cheaper upfront than a new car.
Cheaper on insurance. Beater cars require minimum coverage, so they’re cost-effective for monthly expenses.
A beater car is cheaper on gas (this is true for sedans; not so much for SUVs or trucks.)
The car will retain its value and not depreciate much more.
The car can still be sold for what was paid for it, as long as it is in the same condition.
Now, let’s dive a little deeper into each of these.
#1. Cheap Price
One reason to prefer a cheap car is because of the low price point.
For the first time ever, the price of a new car tops $47000 – an all-time high (source). That is a whole lot of money especially when it loses most of its premium in the five years.
Driving a beater may not feel as luxurious as driving a newer car, but the cheap price point lets you save money.
#2. No Car Payments
There are many benefits to not having car payments.
One of the most obvious is that you save money. In addition, not having car payments can also reduce stress and anxiety levels, because you’re not as tied down to a monthly payment.
It is not normal to have a car payment your whole life. That lifestyle will cost you a fortune with lifestyle creep.
#3. Cheaper Gas
Old and beaten-down cars that don’t require premium fuel will be heaven for your wallet, saving you hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars per year.
Gas prices vary throughout the day, so drivers should plan their trips around the cheapest prices. In addition, using a cheap car can save you money on gas in the long run.
#4. Cheaper Parts
First of all, you need to find a reliable mechanic or be able to do some of the work by yourself.
In addition to being cheaper, older car parts are also easier to find. Car parts are still available from common car manufacturers, so you don’t have to go through a premium supplier to get what you need.
Additionally, the older vehicles do not have the fancy chips like the newer cars that make the cost of parts increase and the difficulty of getting those types of parts.
#5. Minimum Insurance Coverage
Buying a used car saves money on car insurance.
You only need to meet the minimum insurance requirements of your state, and you don’t have to worry about finance companies taking out full coverage collision and comprehensive insurance.
However, you may want comprehensive coverage if the cost is minimal compared to replacing the car. For instance, if you pay an additional $50 per year for full comprehensive coverage that will give you the $5k worth of your car back if something happens. That may be worth the extra cost.
Plus driving a car with a lower resale value can help save on vehicle taxes.
#6. Less Depreciation
Older cars have already depreciated in value over the years, so they aren’t going to lose much more during the period of your ownership.
Plus if the engine gives out, you can always sell it for scraps and parts at the local junkyard. That will help you recoup costs for another one.
Remember, you wipe away value from your brand new car once you drive off the dealer’s lot (source). This is a hot debate on whether your car is an asset or liability.
#7. More Freedom
When you are not bogged down by expenses of maintaining a high-value car, you have more freedom.
This is more freedom in your budget and more time freedom as you don’t have to work hard to pay for your mode of transportation.
Think about it… if you invested $500 a month for seven years at the average rate of return of 8%, you would have accumulated $55,000. Compounding interest will do amazing things for your net worth.
Beater Car Downsides:
Saving money is the biggest benefit of buying a used car.
Beater cars are potentially less safe than modern cars.
Long-distance car rides might not be possible with a cheap car
Downsides to having a good beater car include the possibility of breaking down and being far away from home if needed.
Possible more maintenance.
There is more risk. You don’t want to gamble.
#1. Less Safety
Cars from before the 2000s don’t have the same crashworthiness as newer cars.
This is a factor that you cannot deny and a serious factor when considering your purchase.
In a collision, they are more likely to sustain damage and injure the passengers inside.
#2. Low Probability of Longer Trips
These are great for commuting around town and getting you to and from.
However, there is a low probability you want to use them on longer trips.
Given there are many things that could go wrong, you don’t want to break down far from home or even a nearby city where you can get repairs done.
You don’t anticipate needing to take this car on long trips in the near future because there is a low probability of needing to take it on longer trips. This is due, in part, to the fact that it doesn’t have great gas mileage and you don’t think you’ll need to use it for long distances.
#3 – Higher Maintancence Costs
You always need a sinking fund for repairs when you own a beater. Period.
You are one drive away from something going out and needing to be repaired.
Also, you need to find a quality mechanic that thrives on keeping older ones running without nickel and diming you along the way.
You cannot use a dealership service center to maintain your baby.
Which Are the Best Beater Cars?
The best beater cars are cars that are cheap, have low mileage, and are easy to repair. The cars are great to use as a daily driver, but they are not ideal for long distances.
Cheap cars can be a good option for car buyers on a tight budget or for young drivers.
There are many reasons to consider buying a used car over a new car, but the decision ultimately depends on the buyer’s needs and preferences
What are some good beater cars?
These reliable beater cars can be a great way to save money on car buying.
Some of the better cars to choose from that would make for a great beater include Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord, and Honda Civic.
They are old, but still in pretty decent shape. All in all, you want to look for one that is very well maintained and highly cared for. The ones sitting in your grandparent’s garages that were hardly driven and immaculately maintained.
What to Check Before Buying a Beater Car
The best way to ensure that you’re buying a good quality car is to do some research and make sure you know your facts.
All dealers are not created equal, so it’s important to check out what other people are saying about the dealer. Also, make sure that the car you’re buying is in good condition and has a clean title.
Many times, a beater is a car that is used to transport things such as furniture, trees, etc. Sometimes they are usually not very well maintained and maybe not very well cared for.
However, a used car can still be a good car for someone who is looking for a cheap car and does not care about the condition of the car.
Specifics to Look For:
Low mileage
Consider the brand/model
Fuel economy
Exterior and interior condition
Reliability
Maintenance history
Number of owners
Number of accidents
Anything rebuilt like the engine
For example, one of the Toyota Corollas I owed was older but had a new engine installed. Thus, the value of the Corolla was higher as the engine had minimal miles on it.
In fact, here is a picture of it… doesn’t look like a junker right?!?!
Questions to Ask Yourself:
Before buying a used car, you should check the following:
Is it in good shape?
On the engine, is it manual or automatic?
Is it the right size for your needs?
Does it have enough power?
Does it have enough room?
Is it reliable?
Is it comfortable?
Easy to drive?
Is it safe?
How to Buy a Beater Car
When buying a beater car, you should check the following things:
1. Finding One to Buy
Many times, this will be the hardest part. Sometimes, the easiest if someone needs to get rid of one quickly.
Try buying a beater car from friends or family.
The next place to check is your mechanic. Remember, they are your best friends in this process and always know the movement of these types of cars.
Also, you can check online – Facebook Marketplace, NextDoor and Craigslist are great options but follow your instincts.
Lastly, you can try a local dealership. However, be very careful as you don’t want to be scammed or pay more than the car is worth.
2. Check the VIN Number
VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. A VIN is a serial number that identifies the make, model, and vehicle type of a motor vehicle.
The VIN number is a unique identifier for a car that can be used to learn about the car’s history and identity. The number is usually 17 characters long and contains both numbers and letters. It can be found on the dashboard, driver’s side door, or engine of the car.
More importantly, it can be used to learn about the car’s history and identity, including its make, model, year of manufacture, and more. Even if the car was stolen.
3. Look at Mileage
Beaters usually have high mileage, but how high is too high?
Do your research for what could be a red flag. Look up how the specific make and model you’re considering holds up in high mileage.
In this regard, lower is better, although beaters will generally have higher mileage than a newer used car. Look for beaters with 80,000 to 150,000 miles on the odometer, but don’t go over 150k miles. You want to drive it into the 200k mile club, right?
4. Run the Auto History Report
You want detailed information on a car’s history, including maintenance and repair records. This can be helpful in determining whether or not a car has been well taken care of. If a car has had many owners in a short period of time, it may be an indication that the car was neglected.
The VIN number (vehicle identification number) helps you obtain a vehicle history report by running through a service, like CARFAX. Companies like VINCheck.info and AutoCheck provide vehicle history information, too.
A good indication that a car may have been neglected or doesn’t run well is the fact that it has had many owners in a short period of time.
5. Checked by Your Own Mechanic
If you haven’t figured it out by now, a trusted mechanic is a must!
Before agreeing to the purchase, you must have the vehicle independently audited by your own mechanic. This may come at a small cost, but it is better to know the condition of the mechanical systems before you purchase.
Also, your mechanic can tell you what you should pay for it as well as any outstanding repairs or maintenance that needs to be done.
6. Passed State Inspection
When buying a car, it is important that it passes state inspection. If it doesn’t, you may end up spending more cash on repairs and/or fines.
You can ask for the last inspection report. If it has been more than a year, it is worth testing it again.
In any case, you don’t want to buy a car only to have it break down on you soon after.
7. Take it for a Test Drive
When you’re looking to buy a used car, it’s important that you take it for a test drive. This allows you to listen to any loud noises and also gives you a chance to feel the car out.
If something doesn’t feel right, then it’s probably not the right car for you.
When you’re looking to buy a used car, it’s important that the seller allows you to take the car to a mechanic for a test drive. If they don’t, it’s probably because they’re trying to hide something and it’s best to move on.
Fixing a Beater Car:
The best option for fixing a beater car is always to do the repair yourself. This will save your finances and allow you to learn more about how your car works. There are a variety of resources available online that can help you with this process, including videos, articles, and forums.
If you find a car with engine problems, you will need to consult a mechanic. The problem may be something simple that is quick fixes with a tune-up, or it may be more serious.
If the cost of repairing a used car is almost as much as what you paid for the car, then it may be time to move on.
Selling a Beater Car:
The process is very similar to buying it except now you are the seller!
The same places you would look for one would be the same places you would sell it – friends, NextDoor, Craigslist, mechanic, or Facebook Marketplace.
You might even be able to get some cash for your beater car by trading it in at a dealership. The dealership will likely give you less than if you had sold the car to a private party, but it’s better than nothing. However, some dealerships have pretty awesome trade-in policies to get you in a new and more expensive ride!
Reasons NOT to Buy a Beater Car
The most common reasons not to buy a used car are that they are very expensive to fix, impractical in terms of fuel efficiency, and require more time and effort than expected.
However, those of us who have owned older sedans, SUVs, or trucks know the significant savings associated with it and get many weird looks for others.
Top 10 Reasons NOT to Buy a Beater Car:
You want/need a good-looking car.
High reliability is a priority.
You are a one-car family.
You will lose your mind trying to fix it.
It’s going to break down and you’ll be stranded somewhere, losing money.
You will have to get a new car eventually anyway.
It’ll cost you more money in the long run because it’s not worth fixing up and selling later on.
You won’t be able to sell it for what you paid because it’s too beat up.
You think leasing a car is a better deal.
Deep down, you think a car payment is normal.
Is an Older Beater Car an Issue for You?
Beater cars can be a good option for people who want to save money on their car costs.
There are many advantages of a cheaper car including avoiding car loans and down payments, cheaper gas, and minimal insurance requirements. Plus used cars have already lost much of their value and are a better investment.
Maybe a full one beater isn’t right for you, but maybe a seven-year-old minivan with 85,000 miles is perfect.
In all honestly, people who are looking for a cheap car should consider buying an inexpensive car instead of a luxury car.
Now, I want to hear your favorite stories about your precious gem and how many miles it lasted…
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Let’s face it. Here in America, a car is not a luxury, it’s a basic necessity. With our wide-reaching cities and the harried schedule of our modern lives, the comfort, flexibility and privacy offered by the modern automobile is both an essential part of life, and a little slice of heavenly peace to brighten each day.
As a teenager, you fell in love with your first taste of four-wheeled freedom. As you moved through college and adulthood, you surely upgraded to models a little more befitting of your status. So now here you are in your late 20s, with a blossoming career and car to go with it. Whether it’s an Audi or BMW, Lexus or Infiniti, your ride tells the world who you are: your taste, your status, and your individuality.
Until that magic moment when all of this flies out the window: you have a baby on the way!
Suddenly, there’s more to be concerned about that simply style and performance. You’ll need to accommodate car seats, soccer balls, and strollers. You’ll need to load shopping bags from the mall into the back with a wriggling child or two in each arm. Family life means driving on snow and dirt, and hauling your trailers and toys. And above all, you’ll need the safest vehicle to protect your new precious cargo. This means 4-wheel-drive and superior crash protection.
In short, if the diagnosis is pregnancy, the prescription is SUV.
Luckily we’re on the job for you here at Mr. Money Mustache. I collected the best SUVs on the American market and compared them side-by-side to pick a winner.
2014 Toyota Sequoia Platinum
With seating for 8, the $60,795 Sequoia does it all. Featuring a fully boxed load frame, a responsive 381 horsepower 5.7L V-8 engine, and a 5750lb curb weight, this family hauler is nimble, capable, and luxurious. With fuel economy of 13MPG around town and as high as 18MPG on the highway, it can help your family’s dollar stretch just a bit further, and who doesn’t need that these days?
2014 Ford Expedition Limited EL
Sure, it’s big, and it’s fast, with specs rivaling the Sequoia at the budget friendly price of $51,695. But what really sets the Expedition apart is the perforated heated and cooled front leather seats! What could be a better respite from a pounding day of errands than a cushion of climate-controlled air that soothes you back to sanity? Fuel efficiency is just as good at 13/18 for the 4WD model. Also sold as the Lincoln Navigator, with an even more distinctive selection of luxury appointments.
2014 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ
It’s everything you’ve come to expect from a large SUV and so much more. High intensity headlamps and foglamps, Front Park Assist, 12-way seats, Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Assist, all powered by an EcoTec 5.3L V-8 with the ability to tow 8,000 pounds. Eco-Tec means you’re actually helping the environment as you cruise your way through each 33.5 gallon (126 litre) tank of fuel! But if all that tech-talk makes your eyes glaze over, let’s just put it this way: A very sweet ride that will be the envy of your block, with 16 cupholders for only $62,595! Also sold as the Cadillac Escalade with a more prestigious front grille for only a few thousand more.
2014 BMW X5 50i
For those with smaller families and a higher demand for performance, the venerable X5 may fit the bill. Featuring a 4.4 liter twin turbo V-8 that pours 450 horsepower into this SUV’s lightweight 4950 pound figure, the X5 will scream from 0-60 in about five seconds, smoking all four of its 19″ performance tires in the process. But with heated leather seating for 7 and available personal video screens for each passenger, your lucky children might not even notice what you’re up to.
Starting at under $70,000 with the Mocha Interior Design Package and the Executive Package, the X5 gets my personal vote for the best vehicle to prepare for baby. If cash is a little tight, BMW’s financing and lease packages can have one of these safe and roomy vehicles in your driveway for as little as $789 per month.
Although having your first baby is a challenging experience that will require many costly purchases, I hope I’ve at least helped with the most critical decision of all: what to drive.*
*Oh, and happy April Fool’s Day. The best family vehicle is a pair of bikes for the parents, each pulling a bike trailer. Second choice is a good small car (you can get kid seats that fit 3-across even in compact cars). And if you REALLY need something to carry a lot of people, get yourself a 2007 Mazda5 with a 4-cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. It comfortably carries 6 adults (tested it myself), burns a reasonable amount of gas, and is not a gigantic Douchewagon that will get you punched in the face by passing Mustachians. Just don’t buy one and then use the damned thing for single-person commuting!
Summer is full of simple pleasures: baseball games, barbecues, beach reads, and that great American classic, the road trip. Whether you are heading to a national park or a local lake, on a wine-tasting getaway, an antiquing jaunt, or just to hang with your college roommate, a road trip can be exciting, easily wrangled, and spontaneous.
But if you’re wondering how to save money on a road trip, a little bit of planning can go a long way to keep costs under control.
Learn how to minimize expenses when you head out on a summer road trip, from deciding which vehicle to use, where to get gas, how to eat on the road, and more. Here, 25 easy ideas for road tripping on the cheap.
1. Choose a Fuel-Efficient Car
If you have a choice of cars to take, you may want to go with one that is large enough to be comfortable but also gives you the best gas mileage. This is true whether you are using your own wheels or renting a car.
You can use FuelEconomy.gov’s Trip Calculator to determine which car will cost you the least in gas. This tool helps estimate fuel consumption and how much it will cost for a particular route using a specific car.
2. Drive at or Below the Speed Limit
This cautionary measure can help you save money in two ways. For one, you’ll be less likely to get pulled over and slapped with an expensive speeding ticket.
For another, observing the speed limit can actually reduce your gas consumption. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save 18 cents a gallon on highways for every five miles per hour you slow down.
3. Pack Your Car Wisely
You can also cut your gas costs by placing items inside the car or trunk rather than piling them on your roof. By reducing drag, this tactic can increase your fuel economy by as much as 25% on highways according to one benchmark study.
If you’re out of room in the car, using a rear-mounted cargo box or tray instead of a roof rack can improve your fuel economy by up to 9%.
4. Set a Road Trip Budget
When you first start talking about the road trip, you may want to roughly map out where you want to go, how long it’ll take to get there, and if you’ll need hotels or motels. From there, you can calculate the approximate cost of gas (FuelEconomy.gov can help) and tolls (try Tollsmart ), as well as food and fun.
Once you’ve established an overall budget for the trip, you start creating a travel fund.
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5. Bring Your Own Food and Supplies
Packing a cooler with water bottles, drinks, hand-held snacks, and sandwiches before leaving home is a proven frugal traveler trick. You can end up saving a sizable chunk of cash by not having to buy drinks and snacks at rest stops, vending machines, and drive-throughs.
You’ll also have a quick solution the next time someone in the car wants to pull over because they’re hungry.
6. Sign up for an Electronic Toll Account
Depending on which state(s) you are traveling through, you may be able to save a fair amount of money on tolls by getting the region-appropriate quick pass (or transponder) for your car. In New York, for example, drivers with EZ-Pass can save about 30% on tolls.
7. Avoid Tolls Altogether
When your road trip isn’t on any set schedule, you may want to take the scenic route and completely avoid tolls. You can do this by setting your GPS app to “avoid tolls.”
If you’re in a location with pricey bridges and highways, your savings could really add up. You may want to make sure, however, that avoiding tolls doesn’t take you so far out of your way that you’re spending a lot more on gas.
8. Look for Hotels that Offer Free Breakfasts
If you’re comparing lodging options in a similar price and quality range, one way to save on hotel costs and on road trip expenses in general is to choose the hotel with a free breakfast.
Not only will you probably get a large, filling meal, but you might even be able to take a piece of fruit or cereal box as a snack for later on in the trip.
9. Pack Reusable Water Bottles for Everyone
You’ll no doubt get thirsty while driving and sightseeing, especially in summer, and buying water or drinks can put a major dent in your road trip budget.
Making sure everyone in the car has a large reusable water bottle (or two) to fill up at rest stops and in restaurants can help you avoid spending money on drinks, and also create less plastic waste.
10. Buy a National Park Pass
If you’re going to be road-tripping across the U.S. and visiting a few national parks, you may want to consider getting an America the Beautiful pass.
The pass (which costs $80 per year and $20 for seniors) covers entrance, standard amenity, and day use fees for a driver and all passengers in a personal vehicle (up to 4 adults) at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites.
Just remember that summer is primetime for many parks, from Yosemite in California to Acadia in Maine. If you need lodging, book early.
11. Hit the Grocery Store
Once you’ve run out of your cooler meals and snacks, consider re-stocking at a local grocery store while en route so you don’t have to resort to fast food or a pricey local restaurant for the rest of your trip.
This is also a good strategy if you’re going to be staying at a hotel for a few nights. Making good use of a hotel kitchenette and fridge can help you avoid having to eat out for every single meal.
12. Pre-Book Your Hotels
Spontaneity is great, but if you’re looking to save money on accommodations, it can be wiser to book ahead of time and stick to your plan. You can often secure a better rate by booking in advance (and online), than by showing up without a reservation or booking last minute.
13. Look Beyond Hotels
Your first thought when looking for roadside accommodation may be cheap hotels or motels. But you sometimes find a better deal (or a nicer option for the same price) using a home rental site, such as Airbnb, VRBO, or FlipKey, especially if you’re staying for more than one night.
When booking lodging, it can be smart to use a travel credit card, since every swipe can help you earn points, miles, or cash back that you might apply to future trips.
14. Plan to Visit Free Attractions
Part of the fun of a road trip is to enjoy the journey and scenery while en route to your final destination.
As you travel (or before you go), you may want to research free attractions, such as a hike, walk on a beach, or a free museum, on your route for times when you need to stretch and take a driving break.
You can also look for festivals and local events by checking out the online events calendar for the towns you’ll be visiting that day. You might also check out Meetup.com and see what kinds of local groups are gathering for experiences and outings.
15. Plan Gas Stops in Advance
Getting stuck in a big city with the tank close to empty can be costly (and driving in circles looking for a gas station when you’re en route to the beach is no fun either). To avoid overpriced gas, you may want to use a gas app like Gas Guru or GasBuddy, which can help you compare prices and find affordable gas no matter where you are. This hack is an easy way to lower your gas costs.
16. Set a Daily Spending Limit
You can use your overall budget to get a rough idea of how much you can spend on the road trip each day. This can help you avoid blowing the money you’ve saved, wherever you may keep your travel fund, before the end of the trip.
A spending plan can also let you know when you can splurge a bit and when you’ll have to reign it in with a meal, activity, or lodging. You may also want to set aside some of your budget for the unexpected, such as the car getting a flat and needing to be towed, or discovering the cheap hotel you planned to stay in is actually a total dump. Also factor in some summer road-trip treats: You’re likely to be stopping for ice cream here and there and maybe even a lobster roll.
17. Entertain the Kids on the Cheap
Road trips can help you afford a family vacation since you sidestep pricey plane tickets. But remember that kids have a tendency to get bored, tired, and antsy on a road trip. To avoid giving in to impulse toy purchases, you may want to bring along their favorite toys and also pick up a variety of new ones at the dollar store before you leave.
Good choices include coloring books and games they can play in the car that won’t create a mess. You might also consider borrowing audio books or DVDs from the library to give yourself an hour or so of peace and quiet.
18. Search Online for Local Coupons and Passes
It can be worthwhile to research online coupons and discount codes for local attractions and restaurants at some of your scheduled stops.
Consider checking Groupon or LivingSocial for deals and steals. Sometimes booking online ahead of time saves you money, and it’ll give you a reason to try to reach a specific destination by a certain day.
19. Save on Alcohol
Sipping a cold beer or glass of wine at a local bar at the end of your long drive might sound like the perfect way to unwind.
But alcohol costs can quickly add up on a road trip vacation. Consider buying a few local beers or a small bottle of wine that’s native to that area to enjoy in your hotel room. You’ll save money on tipping too.
20. Volunteer at a Festival
Yes, you read that correctly. Some festivals and special events offer discounts or free admission to volunteers. You can look up events taking place in the town you’ll be visiting and reach out to the event organizer to see if they need help. Summer is full of events like these, from concerts to craft fairs to food festivals.
21. Sign up for a AAA Membership
An auto club like AAA can save you time, money, and hassle should you run into car trouble during your trip. What’s more, a membership (often starting at around $5 a month) gives you access to discounts at loads of hotels, restaurants, and many retailers nationwide.
22. Travel During the Off-Season
Yes, summer can be the most welcoming time of the year to hop behind the wheel. But visiting national parks when kids are back in school can often help save money on lodging and activities. Planning a road trip to a destination like Disney World or Disneyland? You’ll likely find better deals if it’s not during a spring break or other school vacation.
You can often also save money by visiting warm weather locations during “shoulder seasons.” This is the period in between a destination’s low and high seasons of tourism, when prices for hotels tend to be lower, and crowds tend to be smaller, at popular attractions.
23. Do Some Camping
Outdoorsy road trippers might enjoy setting up a tent at a free or low-cost public campsite. You can find out more on the Bureau of Land Management site.
This can end up saving you a lot of money on hotel costs, provided you don’t go out and buy a lot of expensive camping equipment.
If you don’t have any camping gear, you may want to consider renting equipment from an outdoor specialty store or asking a friend who regularly goes camping if you can borrow their equipment. As noted above, summer can be prime time for basking in some of America’s natural beauty, so book your campsite early.
24. Eat Out for Lunch Instead of Dinner
If there are special restaurants you want to try without breaking the bank, consider going there for lunch. You might get a slightly smaller portion than you would if you ordered it off the dinner menu, but the price will likely be more affordable.
25. Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs
Booking with the same hotel chain as often as possible and signing up for their member loyalty (or “points”) program may net you a free night after a few stays.
Travel booking services, such as Expedia, Travelocity, or Hotels.com, may also offer discounted rates and free nights for loyal customers.
Recommended: Getting the Most Out of Credit Card Rewards
The Takeaway
Planning a summer vacation? A car trip might sound much more affordable than traveling by plane. However, gas, food, and accommodations can add up.
One of the best ways to cut road trip expenses is to plan out your trip and research deals, coupons, and discounts ahead of time. Packing wisely and loading up on drinks, snacks, toys, and activities can also help cut costs once you’re out on the road.
Ready to start planning and saving for your next road trip? Consider signing up for a SoFi Checking and Savings® account.
SoFi Checking and Savings has a special “vaults” feature that allows you to separate your savings from your spending, while earning competitive annual percentage yield (APY) on all of your money and paying no account fees. You can even set up a separate vault for your travel fund.
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With the recent rise in gas prices, many people have been looking for ways to save money on gas. These efforts usually fall into two categories; reducing your fuel consumption, or finding a way to pay less. Realizing that because of the various uses for crude oil, gas prices are somewhat out of our control (especially if our only weapon is a gas boycott), we are limited in how we can reduce the price that we pay. Paying less for gas is really just a matter of either finding the lowest priced gas stations in your area, or using various credit card benefits to get cash back.
However, it is in the area of reducing fuel consumption, where people can get very creative. Unfortunately, some of these techniques can actually cost you money or make your drive more dangerous. Recently, Investopedia published an article outlining some of these methods. I thought it would be interesting to see which fuel saving techniques they highlighted and what they had to say about each one.
They are listed below, with my feedback beneath each one. Be sure to leave your comments below.
Save Money On Gas? Not With These Techniques!
Devices To Increase Airflow
The Theory: High-tech devices designed to increase your engine’s airflow will improve fuel efficiency.
The Facts: It sounds plausible, but the results don’t back up the impressive claims. Consumer Reports tested several of the devices, such as Fuel Genie ($89.95, plus shipping), that purport to increase fuel economy by accelerating airflow to the engine. The tests found no noticeable gains in MPGs, despite claims of 50% fuel savings. While it’s true that drastically increasing the airflow to an engine is a common way to increase horsepower (i.e. forced induction through turbo and superchargers), doing so will actually increase fuel consumption and increase wear on the engine, not to mention that this proven technology costs significantly more than its gimmicky competition.
I have to admit that I have never gotten so much into fuel efficiency that I’ve researched or purchased an airflow gadget. However, I know that some people have been willing to make significant investments in these types of gadgets in order to increase their miles per gallon.
If the problem of increasing the wear on your engine is true, then these gadgets will end up costing a lot more than what you pay for gas!
Fuel Additives
The Theory: The gas we buy can be improved by adding scientifically formulated chemicals that will increase fuel efficiency and, sometimes, horsepower.
The Facts: Clearly, some drivers believe the answer to their fuel woes lies in a magic elixir, because there are numerous fuel treatments that claim to increase MPGs, despite no scientific proof or explanation of how less fuel is burned. According to CNN.com, one common tactic used by shady fuel-additive makers is to tout the product’s approval by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This suggests that a trusted consumer watchdog has approved the product’s claims, but in fact, the EPA had only deemed that the product does not increase a vehicle’s harmful emissions. The truth is, if there were an additive that made fuel burn more efficiently, oil companies would be racing to market their new gas at the pumps and gain a bigger market share.
I used to add a fuel treatment to my car every 3,000 miles. I never noticed a difference in how the car ran, or in the fuel efficiency, but I just figured it was because I wasn’t paying close enough attention.
I think that the worthless EPA approval is pretty deceptive. The average person would think that the claims to improve fuel efficiency have been tested and proven to be true; however, it just means that it won’t increase your emissions!
I don’t think I’ve purchased this stuff since we got our new car over 3 years ago, but I always had a supply in my trunk before that!
Premium Gas
The Theory: Premium gas provides increased performance and better gas mileage.
The Facts: This is true … if you own a premium automobile that requires high-octane gas, but these cars make up the minority of daily drivers. So if you’re in the majority – drooling over Ferraris from the seat of your Corolla – your car’s engine control unit (ECU) is programmed to run on the octane levels present in regular gas. Increasing the octane – either through buying premium gas or adding bottles of octane-boost – can actually cause the engine to be less efficient, as the car’s combustion timing becomes altered and efficiency is lost. But the most noticeable loss will be the extra 20 cents per gallon you’ll be wasting to buy high-octane gas. A safe bet is that if you can afford a vehicle that requires only premium fuel, you likely aren’t concerned with gas prices or tracking mileage.
This is one I’ve always known about. I think the only time I ever purchased anything higher than regular was when the gas station ran out, and they charged the same price as regular.
Once in a while I would come across people who swore by a higher octane, but they could never tell me why. It was just another case of, “it costs more, so it must be better”!
I love what the article said at the end of this…it’s very true. If you can honestly afford a car that needs a higher octane, you probably aren’t worried about your MPG as much as most.
Over Inflating Your Tires
The Theory: Rounder tires roll easier, creating less work for the engine and therefore, better MPG.
The Facts: Again, this tip is true … to a point. Over inflated tires will have less friction with the road, which lessens the effort the engine exerts to keep the car rolling, providing slight gas savings. However, overinflated tires will wear out quickly and irregularly, causing you to need early replacements at a cost of about $50 to $100 per tire. What’s worse is that the decreased contact with the road increases stopping distances and limits handling capabilities. This all adds up to a large risk in costly accidents and injuries. Even if you are lucky and avoid a collision, it would take a lifetime (which could very well be short if you’re riding on bald and bulbous tires) for your fuel savings to negate the cost of four new tires. According to Edmunds.com’s testing, the fuel consumption difference between driving with over-inflated tires and tires at the recommended pressure is negligible. Sometimes, despite what GM’s recent track record suggests, carmakers do know what they’re doing and the recommended settings and levels do provide the best results.
I’ve actually never heard of this trick. It just seems so dangerous, because you have less of your tire making contact with the road – meaning it is more difficult to brake! Even if the increase in MPG were substantial, I would not feel comfortable doing something this dangerous!
I think that the cost of your new tires and the increased risk of being in an accident, would easily negate any gains you have from buying fuel less often.
Roll Down The Windows Rather Than Using Air Conditioning
The Theory: Operating the AC to cool the vehicle uses fuel, so it’s more efficient to cool off by driving with the windows down.
The Facts: While it’s true that some fuel is used to operate the AC compressor, as much or more fuel is lost when the windows are down. Rolling down the windows increases the drag on the car, which causes the car to work harder to maintain its speed. For even better mileage, you can improve your AC’s efficiency by using the re-circulation setting on the car’s HVAC system instead of forcing the AC to cool the hot air from outside. Heeding this tip will increase your mileage, as well as your comfort.
This has been a subject of great debate for a while now. Many people – including me for a while – will drive on the highway with the windows down in the summer, in order to save money by not turning on the AC. Actually, I do it because I love fresh air and I didn’t want the AC to burn up gas. However, once you get over about 40 MPH, the drag on the car (from the air resistance) causes the fuel efficiency on your car to drop dramatically. Therefore, if you are driving on the highway, you will burn less gas by using the AC and keeping the windows up.
Now, I just have to weigh this fact against my need to feel comfortable. I am one of the few people who I know are more comfortable with air blowing on my face in the summer, than having the “conditioned” air blowing on me. If gas prices continue to increase, I may have to get used to running the AC (on the lowest setting, or course).
Reader Questions
What methods have you implemented in order to save money on gas?
How often do you think about rising gas prices?
What are some common myths that you’ve heard about saving money on gas?