What To Do When You Need A New Vehicle (But Don’t Have The Full Cost To Hand)

Cars are pretty important in life. Without them, many cities in the US are unavigable, as few are built for foot traffic. The public transport systems vary greatly from location to location, too, with city centers usually being well catered for, and even then, you can expect to take three buses if you need to get across town! The good news is that even if you don’t have the money to hand, it's still possible to get your hands on a vehicle that lets you live your life. Just read on to find out how. 

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Sell some preloved things 

Clutter is a real problem for most people, but you can make your home cleaner and more spacious while raising some money to put towards your next vehicle by selling items you no longer need or want. 

The key here is to be strategic about what you sell. For example, a single item worth less than $20 means it's probably not worth the time. But say you have a whole case of those items, and you can sell them to a single buyer, that would work. Also, specific niches always sell well, including collectables, watches, designer clothes, shoes, and bags, and even electronics that are in good condition and have been returned to their factory settings. 

Borrow the money 

Another option is borrowing some or all of the money you need to buy your vehicle. For many people, their first choice is to ask family or friends for a loan. However, borrowing money from loved ones can come with a whole heap of disadvantages, including problems with your relationship, even if you pay it back on time. 

That is why it makes sense to look for an alternative option like auto financing from a professional provider like a credit union. Indeed, this type of finance allows first-time buyers with little credit history to buy a range of vehicles with ease, and at competitive fixed rates. 

Trade in your old vehicle 

Oftentimes times you can reduce the final amount that a new vehicle will cost by trading in your old one. Although you’ll need to make sure you do the work to get the best possible trade-in price. In particular, this means making sure you have accurate maintenance records and that you fix any issues before you get it valued. Additionally, getting your vehicle professionally cleaned both inside and out will help you maximize the trade-in price. 

Earn some extra with a side hussle 

Last of all, there are plenty of things you can do as a side hustle that will help swell your wallet enough to buy that new car. Writing for online blogs can be a good choice, especially if you already have connections from the blogging world. 

Pet sitting is another option which can feel more like fun than a job. After all, you get to look after someone’s fur baby and hang out! You might even want to brush up on your blackjack skills and see if you can earn some money that way!