Last March my car was due for a service but because I do so few miles and also knew we were moving and would need every spare penny I let things slide. It's now time to get it done. VW wants £349 for a major service so we shopped around and tried a local garage (which I used to use until we moved 10 years ago) The chap checked on the computer and declared that on my car they did exactly the same work whether it was a major or minor service so they can do it for £167.59 including VAT this also includes checking my brakes. Booked for tomorrow! My car insurance is due around the middle of next month so I will need to check the comparison websites soon. According to Martin Lewis of MoneySavingExpert the optimum time to check is 21 days before it's due, so that will be a task for next week....
Although we are still unsure exactly how much our council tax will be yet, I have made a list of realistic estimates for the bills. If I'm about right, then the total of £3288 compares very favourably with the (fairly accurate) estimate of still living in the park home. If you look closely, top left corner, you can see the figure of £6329 so a potential saving of a whopping £3000 plus. I was amazed at the total and G quite shocked. I just hope I haven't forgotten anything major....
Food bills would be the same wherever we live and, of course, the cost of running the cars wouldn't be any different. I'll work out any savings made by shopping around on those later on. I know we could sell one car but I value my independence and I would hate trying to drive the big Volvo anyway. It's automatic (which I've never driven) and doesn't have a proper handbrake either. Quite frankly it scares me. There might come a time in the not too distant future when G feels he can't drive anymore so we might have to rely on my little 10 year old Fox to get us around. I'm hanging on to the little fella ;)
That's all for now. Stay safe everyone and thanks so much for popping in x
That sounds like a good plan. Your gut will always guide you. Is your car a VW Fox? I used to have one. I loved that car.
ReplyDeleteYes it's a Fox Urban and I do love it too. It's 10 years old and low mileage so it would be really silly to sell it, especially as it's only worth about £1100 now.
DeleteIts certainly worth shopping around for quotes that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteWhen you start looking, it’s amazing how much car insurance varies! As long as your little car is not costing you money in parts etc. I’d say keep hold of it for as long as you can! Don’t blame you not wanting to drive an automatic, I like to be in charge of my own gears, haha! :)
ReplyDeleteExactly, Ann, exactly! :)
DeleteMy car is 10 years old too, a Ford Focus, which I like a lot. It sounds like you will have money savings of expenses in your future, according to your calculations. Well done.
ReplyDeleteWe have two cars. I wish we didn't have to but where we live we need them. I don't drive myself but I know Andy and DD always shop around for their insurance. It's amazing what you can save.
ReplyDeleteYour finances are looking good. I need to look closely at ours soon and see if I can make any savings anywhere.
Hugs-x-