When choosing a car it’s not just about the price tag writes Geraldine Herbert Before you decide on a car its important to factor in all the other costs Car Finance When it comes to buying, always look closely at the total cost rather than a monthly repayment. Monthly or weekly repayments can often conceal an expensive deal. You’ll also need to factor in additional costs like warranties and breakdown cover – so don’t overstretch yourself and ask the dealer about any hidden fees or charges. Always compare loans and finance by APR  this is the real cost of borrowing as it includes interest and charges. The lower the APR, the better the deal. Remember, a longer repayment period reduces the monthly payment but increases the overall cost. Aim to repay the loan as quickly as you can comfortably afford. If you are considering PCP (Personal Contract Plan), pay particular attention to mileage limits, condition clauses and the final “balloon” payment, as these can significantly affect the overall cost. Car Insurance Changing your car is likely to affect your insurance premium, so check the cost before signing on the dotted line. Shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurers to get the best deal. Always compare on a like-for-like basis  some policies include extras such as breakdown cover, while others charge for them. Running Costs Work out exactly how much you are going to spend on energy – whether fuel or electricity – as this will allow you to budget more accurately. If you are considering an electric vehicle, factor in the difference between home charging and public charging costs. Don’t forget to include Motor Tax, maintenance and repairs, parking, tolls and the NCT. Servicing Servicing is an integral part of car ownership; while it won’t prevent every breakdown, it will reduce the risk and help maintain the car’s value. Shop around, as service costs can vary widely. Electric vehicles generally have lower servicing costs due to fewer moving parts, but items such as tyres and brakes still require regular attention. Tyres Replacing tyres is a costly but essential part of owning a car, so it’s important to check their age. On the sidewall there will be a four-digit number, for example 2425 the first two digits indicate the week of manufacture and the last two the year, so this tyre was made in week 24 of 2025. A tyre that is six years old is a ‘pass advisory’ item at the NCT, so you should consider changing it at that point and certainly do so if it is any older. When replacing tyres, remember that no matter how good your car is, the level of grip you have on the road is determined by your tyres. Buy the best you can afford – think of them as an investment in safety and don’t be tempted to cut corners.   Geraldine Herbert...