Used-car costs people forget to budget for

The purchase price is only one part of a used car’s real cost. Budgeting for the first year can prevent a “cheap” car from becoming an expensive surprise.

Taxes, title and registration

These can add a noticeable amount to the amount due at purchase.

Insurance

Get an insurance estimate before buying. Two similarly priced cars can have very different premiums.

Tires and brakes

Consumables are easy to overlook during a test drive. A full set of tires or a brake service can change the effective purchase price.

Immediate maintenance

Fluids, filters, batteries, belts and scheduled services may be due soon after purchase.

Repairs and inspection

A pre-purchase inspection can help identify existing problems, but it is still wise to maintain a repair reserve.