We form close relationships with our cars, many of us depending on them to fulfill basic parts of our daily lives. For those drivers who commute to and from their jobs every day, their rides are more than a convenience, they are a key part of their livelihood. Unfortunately, the extra miles a daily commute racks up can slowly but surely push a car into early retirement, a hassle that is as expensive as it is inconvenient. If you're looking for a car primarily to carry you to and from work, here are a few things to keep in mind to help you keep your car happier longer.
Pooling your resources
It's an oldie but a goodie – carpooling has been a fixture of many commuters' lives for a long time, and with good reason. The fewer miles you put on your car, the longer it will last. Not to mention carpooling saves tremendous amounts of money that would be spent on gas for everyone taking part. In fact, Bank Rate reported that a Seattle-area survey found vanpools to be 61 percent cheaper than driving alone, and even 28 percent cheaper than public transit, giving commuters the flexibility of their own transportation without the associated costs.
Another hidden benefit of carpools? Many highways offer special high-occupancy vehicle lanes specifically for carpools, so not only can you save money, but in some cases you can also cut down on irritating traffic jams.
Shop smart
If you're looking to buy a car for your commute, you're in a unique position, as you have the ability to plan right from the get-go. One main cash sink most felt by consumers is the gas budget, so choosing a ride based on fuel efficiency can help ease the pain your wallet would otherwise feel thanks to a daily commute. CNBC outlined some models known for being good on gas, such as the Ford Focus. Chevrolet also has a selection of gas-conscious models, including the Volt – an electric car using no gas at all. As a bonus, such cars also tend to see better maintenance and reliability ratings, saving you money across a variety of channels.
When the time comes to shop for a used car, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and an in-house finance department dedicated to helping you afford the used car, truck or van that's right for you.