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One car, two people - can it work?

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My sister and her boyfriend each had their own car, but between working from home and taking public transport, his Honda goes unused for at least 5 days every week while she uses her car every day.

So, my sister felt it’s only logical that they sell one of the cars, but she is concerned about the strain of sharing one car and how it will affect their relationship and lives.

You'll need to consider the following when owning or buying a one-couple car:

•    Are you sure you want to share? This really needs to be considered first. Sharing a car between two people can be difficult and lead to unnecessary tension. If buying one vehicle between the two of you is what you want to do then deciding who takes the wheel when is essential. A “fairness policy” if you will. This can be as simple as working out pick-up and drop-offs or even using public transport when you really need to.
 
•    How much can either of you really afford to spend? Before you even enter the dealership or flip through catalogues, you and your partner need to share your details of monthly income, expenses and (if you have any) debt you still need to pay off. This way, you’ll know how much you are able to spend and, together, you’ll find a price range.

READ: What kind of insurance should I get for my kind of car?

•    There may be a more affordable option? Buying a brand new car is great but comes at a great cost. Buying a demo or pre-owned vehicle may be better options because they’re more cost-effective, but make sure you’re getting your money’s worth by giving the car a once-over.


•    Think long-term expenditure. Your car will eventually need repairs and services. These can cost a small fortune. It’s a great idea to plan ahead by drawing up a household budget. This helps to save money in the long run for those unexpected repairs, maintenance and even just daily running costs.

•    Will your car suit your lifestyle? Think of your individual needs as well as your collective way of life. Do you need a bigger SUV-type van because you travel a lot or because you might be starting a family soon? Find a car to suit your lifestyle.

•    Get your "couple car" insured. Factors that affect your premium include the age and gender of both registered owners, as well as the type of car being insured – a racy sports car, for example, is more expensive to insure than a sensible sedan. Facing theses insurance premium costs can be scary, but remember that you’re not doing it alone.

These tips are courtesy of Imperial Auto. Visit www.imperialauto.co.za to search and compare new and used vehicles for the best deals in town.

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