I’ve always been a thrifty person.  Some might call me a penny pincher.  With today’s economy not looking to get  better any time soon, I sure am glad I was raised knowing how to stretttcchh a dollar!  One sure way to avoid spending unnecessary money today is to own a used car and keep up with its basic maintenance needs.  If you are interested in saving literally thousands also, you might visit Bradenton Used Cars or Cincinnati Used Cars to check out deals on previously owned vehicles.

Used cars are definitely the way to go for this automobile owner.  I have owned several in my 20 plus years of driving because of all the financial advantages they have to offer.  For example, I drive a 1997 Nissan Altima purchased in 2008. You can find a similar vehicle at Wallingford Used Cars.  Some people need the latest and the greatest, but that is not me! I am only too happy to keep more of my money in the bank.

To give you an idea of my savings, I recently spent $282 this year on parts and labor for a new radiator and water pump for my car.  Last year, I had to buy a battery for approximately $80. In 2009 it was “new to me” used tires for $120 mounted along with a $200 brake job.  Basically, it cost me less than $250 per year for maintenance. This total includes oil changes and the extra antifreeze I needed when I got a hole in the radiator.  If you are interested, a bicycle tire patch held the water in perfectly until the water pump gave out. Just follow the directions on the package to make sure you get a good seal. Getting them both fixed at the same time was more economically sound although the radiator would have held out longer for sure.

Now, what is left?  There are Tax and Tag fees once a year coming in at under $50. Insurance is around $400 per year and dropping every time I renew my policy.  Total this all up and it comes to about $60 per month to drive before gas.  Wow!  You just can’t beat that!