Owning a car is a fact of life in our American society. To be sure there are those, particularly in large urban areas, who are able to get around by using public transportation, but the lifestyle of today's average American family makes owning at least one automobile a near necessity. So, considering this, what is the most economical way of obtaining and maintaining an automobile?

Many families in America will buy new cars they can't afford and trade them long before their utility is depleted. Those who buy a new car, keep it for less than four years, and then trade it for a new model have wasted the maximum amount of money. Some people, such as salespeople, who drive a great deal, need new cars frequently; most American families do not. Most trade because they want to—not because they have to. Because few Christians seek God's direction and His will concerning the purchase of automobiles, many times they suffer later due to the added strain placed on the family finances.

Automobile category
For a family of four with an annual Net Spendable Income of approximately $26,300 (gross household income of $35,000) the allocated automobile expenses should not exceed 12 percent of the Net Spendable Income. This would include automobile payments, oil and gas, insurance, license and taxes, maintenance and repairs, and replacement. If the family maintains more than one car, the allocation percentage does not increase. All automobile expenses covered by the family finances should not exceed 12 percent.

Purchasing
The following are suggestions that could help save money when purchasing an automobile.

1. Evaluate the reason for trading. Is it a need or simply a want? Existing cars always seem to be "falling apart" when someone wants to purchase a new or newer car.
   
2. Become an informed buyer. Do the necessary homework before shopping for a car. Check with Consumers Reports, friends, family, and a trusted mechanic.
   
3. Can the existing car be repaired without great expense? If annual repairs are costing more than the car is worth, it might be time to get another car.
   
4. Does the car have in excess of 200,000 miles? If not, chances are the present car is still in good shape.
   
5. Is a new car a need? Will a good used car fill the need just as effectively?
   
6. Is money still owed on the present car? If so, both the present car balance and the new car have to be financed and you will pay the maximum interest rate.
   
7. Pay cash if possible. Otherwise obtain a loan outside of the car dealership.
   
8. Do not trade in your present car. Sell the present car privately; then buy the new/newer one.
   
9. If it is a used car, talk to the previous owner before you buy it.
   
10. Bargain for a short-term, 100 percent guarantee on a used car.
    
11. Do not be pressured by sales tactics. Know how much you are willing to spend and stick to it.
    
12. When buying a new car, avoid buying a new model when they first come out.
    
13. A cheaper model with the same options as a luxury model will provide major savings.
    
14. Avoid the use of credit life insurance.
    
15. Avoid car leases unless you trade every two or three years.

Maintenance
The following are suggestions that could help save money on automobile maintenance, repairs, and replacement.

1. Learn to perform routine maintenance: oil change, lubrication, and tune-up. Repair minor conditions personally and immediately. Do not let little things pile up. If a mechanic is needed for repairs make sure the mechanic is qualified to work on the car.
   
2. Wash cars yourself. Both automated and service operated car washes are expensive. If $5 per week is spent to wash a car, you can save $260 per year if you wash the car yourself.
   
3. Learn how to change a flat. Road repair service calls are usually very expensive. Investigate joining an auto club that has guaranteed emergency road service. However, do not pay more than the equivalent of one weeks' automobile allocation for an annual membership.
   
4. Purchase oil, grease, spark plugs, ignition parts, and other regular maintenance parts and supplies from a wholesale distributor. Combine purchases with two or more friends for the best buys.
   
5. Use a written maintenance chart for every car and attend to routine maintenance diligently. Regular maintenance usually will dramatically increase the life of the car.
   
6. Look into purchasing "take-off" tires from dealers who service fleet cars.
   
7. Check the car's gasoline rating and use the cheapest grade of gasoline recommended.

Insurance
The following are suggestions that could help save money on automobile insurance.

1. Get insurance estimates for the same coverage from at least three major insurance companies before purchasing. Consider choosing an insurance company that gives a multi-vehicle or multi-policy coverage discount.
   
2. Always select bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and personal injury liability coverage. However, if owners can afford to repair the car in case of an accident, collision coverage may not be necessary (most finance companies demand full coverage, including collision and comprehensive on automobiles that they finance).
   
3. If collision is chosen, use at least $100 deductible.
   
4. If comprehensive is chosen, use at least $100 deductible.

Conclusion
Let's face it. The majority of new automobile sales in America are made because of the buyers' wants, not needs. Often they are just tired of their cars; they look old and out of date, they need repairs to put them back into top condition, or their neighbors or coworkers have acquired new cars.

Cars do wear out, and everyone will eventually find himself or herself in a position of having to repair and maintain an existing one or purchase another one. Therefore, they will do well to examine the suggestions above in order to maximize money savings on automobile purchasing and maintenance.