New to homesteading, and trying to figure out what vehicle you should buy? Here are some important things to consider when choosing a homestead vehicle.
Choosing A Homestead Vehicle That Will Last
Americans keep their cars for an average of 11.8 years. That’s great news for a homesteading household looking to reduce purchases, but it also means you’ll want to find a dependable vehicle that will deliver value and last as long as possible.
In addition to features like off-road capabilities and fuel efficiency, a great homesteading car or truck will deliver great value by performing for years to come. Having a dependable car or truck makes chores more efficient and allows more time for fun homeschooling activities and family leisure time.
Consider Your Homesteading Goals
Are you planning on building outbuildings on your property? You might want to invest in a truck with a high-load capacity to haul lumber and other supplies during construction.
Are you hoping to start a small business that will need you to regularly transport your goods to the farmer’s market? You may want to shop for a fuel-efficient vehicle to save money on gas.
Do you want to grow your family down the line? Consider a full-size van or 3-row SUV. Think carefully about what kind of vehicle will suit your needs. Planning for the future will allow you to choose a car that you can keep for longer.
Be A Smart Shopper
A third of car buyers are still paying off debt from their last car when they purchase a new vehicle. Avoid taking out a loan so that you can remain debt-free. If you pay for your car upfront, you will avoid the costly interest that comes with monthly payments.
Review your savings and expenses and determine a realistic budget for your new vehicle, and create a savings schedule to figure out how much you’ll need to set aside each month to reach your goal. Saving up for your vehicle may take some time, but it will save you money in the long-run.
The average American drives 13,000 miles a year, according to the Federal Highway Administration, so you’ll need to shop for a car that can withstand all that mileage.
Some new cars drive well at first, but will break down more often or more quickly over time. Make your choice based on quality and dependability, and ask friends about vehicles they are happy with years down the line.
Be Prepared To Self-Service
In order to create a truly self-sufficient homestead, you’ll need to be able to care for your vehicles on your own. Think about your mechanic
al skills and be sure to choose a vehicle that you feel comfortable servicing and repairing.
A used car may require very different maintenance than a new car, and this is an important factor to consider when purchasing a vehicle. Understand the car’s maintenance requirements before you take it home, and establish a regular maintenance schedule to allow for greater longevity.
Shopping for an automobile means juggling all sorts of needs and price-points. But when choosing a car or truck for your homestead, make sure you’re searching for something that will last and deliver great value for you and your family.
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