Is It Time for a Second Vehicle?

By: Kris LeSueur   |   14 Aug 2019

If you're thinking about purchasing a second car, there are a few things that you should consider before taking the leap. First, will owning the additional car improve the quality of your life enough to justify the added cost to your household budget? Second, will your income realistically support the purchase?

Here at LeSueur Car Company, we can help you answer these questions.

Assess Your Driving Needs

There are good reasons to buy an additional vehicle. To assess your driving needs, see if any of the items below apply to you:

  • Is there more than one working adult in the house? If your place of employment is reasonably close to your partner’s, the two of you can probably share a commute pretty easily, but only if your work schedules are similar. However, if it is terribly inconvenient to carpool because of distance or schedule differences, having a second vehicle may make sense.

  • Is your current car a gas guzzler? If your vehicle is great for hauling multiple kids around on the weekends, but doesn't make much sense for driving to work or the running of everyday errands, buying a more fuel efficient second car is a viable option.

  • Will you soon be accommodating a new driver? If you have a teenager who is on the verge of getting a driver's license, acquiring a second vehicle could make an enormous amount of sense.

​Check Your Budget

When you're figuring the cost of an extra car, you have to think well beyond the purchase price. Try to estimate the entire amount that you might spend per month on the second car.

  • The Car Payment: If you’re like most people, you will probably have to finance your vehicle. You will be responsible for making monthly payments for the length of a loan term, usually 5-6 years.

  • Gas and Routine Maintenance: The cost of fuel fluctuates, so  come up with a ballpark figure when budgeting. To do this, estimate how many tanks of gas you go through in a week, then multiply by four to get an idea of how much gas you use per month. After you arrive at that rough estimate, figure in what you will need to pay for oil changes, tire rotations, etc.

  • Insurance: Adding another car to your life means having to pay for additional auto insurance. Although this is definitely an added expense, some insurance companies will offer a package deal if you are insuring both vehicles through them.

Additionally, look at your current spending and see where you can make cuts. Check utilities, your grocery budget and other expenses to see if there are areas where you could save money. This will allow you to put your extra savings toward your new vehicle.

Why Choose LeSueur Car Company

Now that you’ve answered those questions, and if you think it’s time to get a second vehicle, LeSueur Car Company can help! We will work with you to find a vehicle that fits your lifestyle and needs. Our dealership also offers no city sales tax, which will save you more money in the long run. To browse our inventory today, click here.

Contact Us

Main: (480) 389-3664Sales: (480) 787-2375Service: (480) 389-3735