Don’t buy an SUV if you want to save money on a car.
Consider a used EV while they’re still relatively cheap.
And for the love of God buy an interesting car. Not the auto “equivalent of a bowl of cold porridge”.
Irish Times motoring journalist Neil Briscoe is dispensing truth bombs, practical tips and sage wisdom by the shedload in this latest episode of Better With Money.
When it comes to buying a car in Ireland financing options can vary widely.
And to make the best informed decision you have to factor in the total running cost, including tax, insurance and fuel.
Throw in jargon like “PCP finance” and “guaranteed minimum future value” and suddenly doing the homework becomes very intimidating for those of us easily bamboozled by numbers and fine print.
Briscoe demystifies and simplifies the process, clearly laying out the different popular financing options and what they do to the final price of a car.
In this conversation he also explains how personal leasing is on the rise and can be a cheaper way of driving a new car - but will not lead to ownership.
And if you think you can’t afford a new EV, think again.
The cheapest electric car on the market, the Dacia Spring, clocks in at an impressive €16,990.
Or if you’d prefer a higher spec, prices on the used EV car market are currently providing brilliant value for money.
No matter what your question, Briscoe is a font of knowledge.
If you’re thinking about buying a new car, don’t do anything until you’ve heard this episode.
Listen on the player above or search for Better With Money wherever you get your podcasts.
Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.
