When downsizing your car, you should consider factors such as lifestyle needs & changes, better cost control, environmental concerns, and easier management. People evolve, and priorities change, especially now when the cost of living weighs heavily on many of us. Downsizing could be the key to necessary changes and savings.
According to ABSA’s results on car purchasing decisions, the average monthly car payment now takes up 16.1% of a consumer's total income, which is up from the 14.3% ten years ago. This change reflects the financial strain many South Africans are under, putting a spotlight on affordability as a key reason for downsizing.
We know that the downsizing route is a big change that can stir up a lot of emotions, especially when you’ve become comfortable with your bigger car. In this blog, we’ll discuss the reasons surrounding downsizing, why it could be the right step for you, and how Cartrack can keep your compact car protected.
Some reasons to downsize your car include looking to save on costs, going greener, lifestyle changes, and better car management. We also understand that, given the current state of the economy, saving money is usually the main reason why these sorts of lifestyle changes happen. Downsizing could be an impactful and positive first step for you and your family.
Fuel and maintenance are the highest car expenses. Your choice to downgrade your car means better long-term savings because smaller cars typically use less fuel and have simpler car parts. When going the smaller car route, consider getting a car that’s lightweight and city-ready to accommodate your daily trips.
You could also consider getting a hybrid or EV (electric vehicle), which can save you so much money in the long run. Fuel wouldn’t be as much of a concern (if at all!), and EVs generally have fewer moving parts, meaning you cut back on having to service your car too often.
After costs and expenses, one of the biggest factors that drives downsizing is lifestyle changes. Maybe the kids have finally flown the nest, and there’s no need for a big family car anymore. Or perhaps your hobbies have changed and you don’t need a car that can hold all that camping gear. Whatever your reason, it’s valid.
If you don’t really need that bigger car anymore, downsizing could make an exciting difference in how you enjoy life from here on out. You get to save while also comfortably adapting to the new changes in your life.
Using a car with a smaller engine means better fuel efficiency, which means fewer carbon emissions, which means a car that’s better for the environment. Bigger cars usually emit far more carbon and air pollution than smaller models, creating more harm to the environment.
Bigger cars, especially if they’re luxury brands, also tend to have more expensive and even special/customised car parts. These parts might need unique and expensive materials for them to be made.
When you drive smaller cars, being on the city roads is a breeze. You fit comfortably into awkward parking spots (no need for 15-point turns). You can move through traffic smoothly, bobbing in and out with confidence, and the notoriously narrow streets of Cape Town will no longer be a problem.
Overall, smaller cars are easy to manoeuvre. Bigger cars need more space to carry out basic moves, like lane changes and U-turns, while smaller cars manage these with ease.
Cartrack can add safety features to your smaller car by giving you the best in tracking and on-road protection. You can choose what your tracking package looks like and what services speak to your needs. Even at our most basic (Quick) solution, you’re guaranteed mobile app access, world-class live tracking technology, quick emergency response, and stolen vehicle recovery (SVR).
More upgraded packages, like Quick Plus and Quick Executive Plus, take the safety levels one step further. These packages include features like trip histories & travel data, and CarWatch, which is your own personal virtual ‘carguard’ that alerts you of suspicious movement.
Our personal packages start at R99/per month, emphasising the affordability aspect and keeping your costs low. Our contracts are also flexible, so you can choose the structure of your payment plan. If at any point you’re considering a package change, you can easily do so at a small migration fee.
Your decision to downsize may’ve been a bit stressful, but choosing the right vehicle protection partner doesn’t have to be!
There are many reasons why you might decide to downsize your car, and this blog is a great insight into all those potential motives. We recognise that you’ve decided to adapt to your new way of life and sit comfortably with this change.
On the journey of trying to find a car that works for your new lifestyle, you can relax knowing that downsizing has so many perks. You, your wallet, and the environment benefit from the change; so everyone wins! What’s more? Cartrack can add to your happiness, keeping your smaller car closely watched and protected.
Have you taken the plunge and downsized your car? Speak to our Cartrack professionals to ensure your new car is completely protected.
Is downsizing your car on the cards? Learn why it might be the right choice for you, and see how Cartrack can keep your new vehicle safe and sound.
