Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Mike Waters' blog: 18 October 2013 - Make the right decisions before the 'horse has bolted'
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Mike Waters' blog: 18 October 2013 - Make the right decisions before the 'horse has bolted'

Date: 18 October 2013

Mike Waters is senior insight & consultancy manager at leasing and fleet management company Arval

A recent press article claimed that current fuel price rises have led to some drivers, desperate to continue motoring, pawning possessions so that they can afford to fill their tank.

There's no doubt that many of us rely on our cars and there is also no doubt that fuel is an expensive element of running a vehicle.

In fact, it is one of a number of ongoing costs that drivers must manage effectively to reduce their monthly bill, or as the article says, in some cases so that they can afford to keep their vehicle on the road.

Alongside fuel, things like insurance, tax and maintenance are areas that can hit you hard in the pocket if you are not prepared for them.

There are things that a driver can do during the life of the vehicle to keep them under control, particularly in the way that they drive.

However, some would argue that by this point the 'horse has bolted'. Good driving is a great way of mitigating costs but the most effective way to keep them at an acceptable level is to select the right vehicle in first place.

There are plenty of efficient vehicles on the market to choose from, which will deliver cost effective performance, but choosing the right one isn't always as simple as it seems.

When we run comparisons, we see lots of examples where similar vehicles with a similar value cost very different amounts to operate over a three-year period.

That's why at the point of choosing your car or van, there are several factors that you must consider. Things like MPG performance, CO2 emissions, reliability and maintenance costs are all crucial parts of the mix and will all have an impact on the operational costs of that vehicle.

As a result, its often worth seeking some expert advice before you make the final decision because get it right and you can keep costs to a minimum. Get it wrong and you may pay an expensive price. 



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