{"organism":"Page","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","children":[{"organism":"Metadata","model":{"title":"How to buy a used car on a budget in 2024: essential tips and strategies","text":"\u003Cp\u003ELearn how to navigate the used-car market and save money with our essential tips. From understanding your needs to avoiding costly mistakes, find out how to buy a budget-friendly car in 2024.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n","links":[{"name":"How to buy a used car on a budget in 2024: essential tips and strategies","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-buy-a-car-on-a-budget.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-buy-a-car-on-a-budget/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.png/1723700424870/how-to-choose-a-budget-car-promo.png","alt":"Hand holds a black steering wheel. Car is illuminated by low, warm sun at dusk.","width":3840,"height":2160},"date":"2024-08-15T05:46:00.000Z","tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"vehicles:"},{"name":"Save well","value":"shell:business/business-customers/save-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-buy-a-car-on-a-budget/jcr_content/root/metadata"},{"organism":"ContentOwner","model":{},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-buy-a-car-on-a-budget/jcr_content/root/contentowner"},{"organism":"Container.Header","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com.au/_jcr_content/root/header/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-buy-a-car-on-a-budget/jcr_content/root/header/inherited","model":{}},{"organism":"Breadcrumb","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"Shell fuels","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels.html"},{"name":"Go Well Content Hub","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub.html"},{"name":"How to buy a used car on a budget in 2024: essential tips and strategies","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-buy-a-car-on-a-budget.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-buy-a-car-on-a-budget/jcr_content/root/header/breadcrumb"}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-buy-a-car-on-a-budget/jcr_content/root/header","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Main","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"PageHeader","color":"brand1","model":{"title":"How to Buy a Car on a Budget in 2024","text":"\u003Cp\u003ENeed a car but want to keep the costs down, both on the initial purchase and in the long run? Here's what to think about and look for when buying a used car.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-buy-a-car-on-a-budget/_jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy_copy/item.shellimg.png/1723700463698/how-to-choose-a-budget-car.png","alt":"Hand holds a black steering wheel. Car is illuminated by low, warm sun at dusk.","width":5128,"height":1284},"date":"2024-08-15T05:46:00.000Z"},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-buy-a-car-on-a-budget/jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy_copy/item"},{"organism":"Container","children":[{"organism":"Author.Info","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-buy-a-car-on-a-budget/jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy_copy/simple_copy_copy_cop/author_copy_copy","model":{"links":[{"name":"By Shell on August 15, 2024"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-buy-a-car-on-a-budget/_jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy_copy/simple_copy_copy_cop/author_copy_copy.shellimg.png/1723692033554/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-buy-a-car-on-a-budget/jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy_copy/simple_copy_copy_cop/text_1077948173_copy","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EOwning and running a car is a costly business in 2024. How costly? According to the \u003Ca href=\"https://www.aaa.asn.au/pages/affordability/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAustralian Automobile Association's (AAA) Transport Affordability Index\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/a\u003E, the average Aussie household spent $432.49 per week on car-running costs during the March quarter – a number that has been rising sharply as cost-of-living pressures bite. But your car doesn't have to be a financial trap. Look beyond the new-car market – where prices have jumped markedly since 2020's COVID shock – and you'll find a used-car market awash with affordable cars.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHere are five things to live by as you start your search.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003EKnow what you need\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can't always get what you want, and that's particularly so if you're buying a used car on a tight budget. There are all kinds of things to steal your heart in the car world – size, occupant capacity, performance, and off-road ability to name just a few – but the reality of low-cost cars is it's going to cost you if you want to super-size any of them.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe first rule of budget-car motoring, then, is shaving things down to a style of car that satisfies your needs and nothing more – zero-fat motoring.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYes, that big SUV, 4WD, luxury badge or performance model will be tempting, but aiming high with cheap cars will tie you to an inferior quality example than something smaller, more modest and more mainstream with the same price tag, as well locking you into higher fuel and maintenance costs.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003EKnow the market\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOnce you know what style of car you need, you have to get a handle on the possibilities in your budget range. There's no quick way – you need to research, research, research – but the legwork isn't difficult. Time-scrolling car-sales websites will tell you what models are available in your budget range and what buys what in terms of condition, kilometres, etc. You want to get enough of a feel for things so when you do find the right car, you know exactly what it's worth and won't pay a cent more than you have to for it.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003EKnow the cars to avoid\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou're not quite ready to hit the used-car lots just yet – first, you need to eliminate models with a dubious reputation for reliability, poor fuel economy or cost a lot to service. A quick Google sweep of model names in your budget range with 'reliability', 'fuel economy' and 'service costs' will tell you plenty. Checking out comparisons of your relevant model category in the automotive media can help fill in the gaps.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBe a patient buyer\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou've got a shortlist and you're ready to start checking out some budget-friendly cars in the real world. And, understandably, you're probably a bit excited. A rushed purchase, however, can end badly, so slow down. Don't buy the first example you try no matter how good it seems – test drive a healthy number so you really can tell the good from the bad because the best budget car to buy is the one in the best condition.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003EGet it checked and inspected\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou've found the right car and are ready to make an offer. First, though, make sure it's not stolen, or encumbered by an outstanding loan or an insurance write-off, which is a simple matter of noting down the vehicle identification number (VIN) and checking it with your state's relevant authority (Google for more info).\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFinally, book the car in for a thorough pre-sale inspection. These are offered by mechanics, private companies and motoring organisations such as NRMA and the RACV and are your best insurance against mechanical or other potentially costly issues biting you down the track.\u003C/p\u003E\n"}},{"organism":"PageTags","model":{"tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=vehicles%3A"},{"name":"Save well","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=shell%3Abusiness%2Fbusiness-customers%2Fsave-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-buy-a-car-on-a-budget/jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy_copy/simple_copy_copy_cop/page_tags"},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-buy-a-car-on-a-budget/jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy_copy/simple_copy_copy_cop/text_copy_copy_copy_","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Csup\u003EDisclaimer\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003C/sup\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Csup\u003E\u003Ci\u003EViva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.\u003C/i\u003E\u003C/sup\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}}],"colspan":8,"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-buy-a-car-on-a-budget/jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy_copy/simple_copy_copy_cop","model":{}},{"organism":"Container","children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-buy-a-car-on-a-budget/jcr_content/root/main/section/section_copy_copy/simple_copy_copy_cop_672712310/text","model":{"title":"You may also be interested 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From understanding your needs to avoiding costly mistakes, find out how to buy a budget-friendly car in 2024.","date":"2024-08-15T05:46:00.000Z","links":[{"name":"canonical","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-buy-a-car-on-a-budget.html"},{"name":"errorUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/error.html"},{"name":"hierarchy","value":"en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-buy-a-car-on-a-budget"},{"name":"homeTitle","value":"Shell Australia"},{"name":"homeUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"locale","value":"en-AU"},{"name":"title","value":"How to buy a used car on a budget in 2024: essential tips and strategies | Shell Australia"},{"name":"textDirection","value":"ltr"},{"name":"template","value":"base"},{"name":"contentPath","value":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/shell-fuels/go-well-content-hub/how-to-buy-a-car-on-a-budget"},{"name":"externalDisclaimerText","value":"Shell plc Legal Disclaimer\r\nYou are now leaving the Shell website.\r\nThe link you have selected will direct you to a website that is not controlled by Shell plc or any member of the Shell Group. 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