11 Signs You Can Downsize Your Vehicle and Save Money Right Now

If you want to eliminate some money stress, it might be time to look for a new vehicle that can save you some cash.

There are plenty of affordable options if you do your research. Here are some signs that it might be time to downsize.

Larger vehicles usually require more gas, which could drain your wallet.

Instead, consider a smaller version of whatever vehicle you are driving now. If you want to keep a big vehicle, look for models of SUVs or trucks that are more fuel-efficient.

You might have bought a large vehicle anticipating that you would need the extra space — such as filling the back of your SUV with sports equipment or furniture.

But if these situations are rare, you might be paying for a bigger vehicle than you need.

Car insurance costs can vary from model to model, meaning you could be overspending simply because you own a particular vehicle.

Downsizing to a smaller vehicle or a less expensive model can be a way to save money on car insurance.

Have you struggled to find a parking spot that fits your car? It might be time to switch to a smaller vehicle.

Not only will you save money, but you might find the driving experience more pleasant.

Every vehicle needs regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations. But maintenance costs vary depending on the vehicle.

Research how much regular maintenance on different models might cost so you can rule out some vehicles and go with models that are easier and cheaper to maintain.

As with maintenance, repairs can cost more depending on the size and model of your vehicle.

With a bigger vehicle, the cost to replace certain parts might be higher than it would be if you downsize to something more modest.

Find out how much your current car will likely fetch on the resale market. If you're lucky, you might even be able to sell your bigger used car for a higher amount than what you plan to spend on a smaller new car.

And if you make a profit on the sale, take the profits and put them toward a financial goal such as a down payment on a home or paying off debt.

If you worry about your carbon footprint in a big vehicle, it might be time to downsize. A smaller car or electric vehicle might be a better option to not only save money but to cut down on pollution.

Perhaps you want upgraded safety features or other cutting-edge technology. If so, selling your current car and getting something smaller with better features might be an option.

Perhaps you’ll prefer a smaller, more affordable car with a better sound system than a big car with subpar speakers.

Maybe you bought a big car to get kids to after-school activities such as sports or music. But do you need space for three kids and a tuba if your children are grown?

If you don’t need that space in your vehicle anymore, downsize and save a little money.

Do you live in a home with a small garage? If so, you may struggle to find the room to park your larger vehicle.

Switching to a smaller vehicle can eliminate the need to call a contractor to build a bigger garage.

There are plenty of reasons to downsize your vehicle, so make a checklist before shopping to see if a smaller vehicle is a better option.

A smaller vehicle might be a better fit than something larger. You might even save enough money to retire early or pursue another financial goal.