Buying a car is exciting, but it's also a significant financial decision. Between shiny dealership offers and online listings, it's easy to focus only on the sticker price and monthly payment. However, owning a car means more than just making your loan payment each month. So, how much will your next car really cost? Here's a breakdown of the most important expenses to consider and how American Heritage can help you manage them wisely.
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Once you earn your driver’s license, chances are you’ll have your eyes set on purchasing your first car. But there’s a lot more to this than just knowing your dream car’s make and model. You’ll need to know your budget, explore insurance options, and decide whether to buy a new or used car.
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There are several steps before you purchase a home or buy your next vehicle. One of the first steps in these processes is to be preapproved for a loan. While a preapproval may seem unnecessary at first, the truth is that it’s a critical step in the loan process which can help make your end goal of buying a home or finding your next car easier.
These days, the used car market is greased lightning, with prices soaring by 44% over the last five years. As your lease comes to an end, you’ll find yourself at a crossroads: Should you return the car for a different model or buy out your lease to own the car you’ve already got?
In this article, we’ll help you determine which route to take.
A vehicle is no small purchase. Many people will research for hours before making a decision, comparing manufacturers, models, and even dealerships. When doing your research, don’t forget to answer this vital question: when is the best time to buy? By timing your purchase for a sales event, you can save yourself thousands of dollars on the ticket price or interest payments over the life of your loan.
Between inflation and high vehicle costs, it’s more important than ever to save on large purchases like a new car. By learning the best times to shop for a new car, you can stack the odds in your favor that you’ll be driving off the lot with the car of your dreams at a comfortable price.
Along with buying a house, getting an education, and starting a family, choosing a vehicle is one of the biggest financial and lifestyle decisions you’ll make. And whether you’re a new driver or you have millions of miles behind you, you might be wondering if it’s better to buy or lease your next ride.
First off, let’s take a look at some numbers. If you have a make and model in mind and know the purchase price and lease price, you can use our free online buy vs. lease calculator to estimate your monthly payment for each scenario. For now, here’s a simplified example:
Whether you’re traveling near or far, having the right protection for your vehicle can help ensure everything goes smoothly.
Luckily, American Heritage members receive special discounts on various auto insurance plans – just another reason to become a member if you aren’t already!
It’s time to upgrade your vehicle to something that better suits your lifestyle and needs, but what’s the best way to get rid of your old car? If it is in good condition, many owners choose to sell their car to put money towards the cost of the next one.
Selling a car is not as simple as selling other belongings and requires additional effort and paperwork. In this blog, we break down the process for car owners to pass on the keys.
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With the warmer months right around the corner, our spring-cleaning list usually includes tasks like decluttering closets, storing away snow supplies, and even organizing finances for the year. One task that should not go overlooked is keeping your vehicle up to date with the season! Getting your vehicle in tip-top shape can save you money down the road and can protect you and your family from preventable hazards.
The outside of your vehicle will show the most noticeable effects of the winter months. Most of your vehicle’s mechanical work will need the help from a professional, but you can easily do your surface level cleaning yourself, like removing unnecessary items and trash, as well as shampooing and vacuuming the seats and floors.
Additional repairs and updates your vehicle may need include:
