7 Smart Ways to Cut Car Costs in 2021

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.

Updated · 3 min read
Profile photo of Philip Reed
Written by Philip Reed
Auto Loans Specialist
Profile photo of Ryan Lane
Edited by Ryan Lane
Assigning Editor
Fact Checked

From monthly payments to repairs to insurance, a car can be one of your biggest expenses. But that also makes it one of your biggest opportunities to put money back in your pocket.

If you’re trying to make ends meet or want to simply save some money in 2021, here are seven easy ways to reduce your car costs in the coming year.

1. Refinance your car loan

If your credit score has gone up since you bought your car, or the dealership put you in a bad loan, you can easily find a new lender to refinance a car loan. Refinancing can lower your interest rate and may save you hundreds over the course of the loan.

For example, according to the most recent data from Experian, the average annual percentage rate for a used-car loan for a consumer whose credit scores fall in the subprime category (501 to 600) was 16.4%. For those in the next tier (601 to 660), the average APR was 10.13%.

On a 60-month car loan of $20,000, a borrower who refinanced from 16.4% to 10.13% would save $64 a month and more than $3,600 over the life of the loan.

Refinancing will also give you the chance to adjust your payment schedule. In an emergency, you can extend your loan term. Or, perhaps you can even pay the loan back sooner.

Auto loans from our partners

LightStream - New car purchase loan logo
Check Rate

on LightStream

LightStream

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
LightStream - New car purchase loan logo

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Est. APR 

7.74 - 15.69%

Min. credit score 

660

Check Rate

on LightStream

Auto Credit Express - New car purchase loan logo
Check Rate

on Auto Credit Express

Auto Credit Express

Auto Credit Express - New car purchase loan logo
Est. APR 

N/A

Min. credit score 

525

Check Rate

on Auto Credit Express

MyAutoloan - New car purchase loan logo
Check Rate

on MyAutoloan

MyAutoloan

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
MyAutoloan - New car purchase loan logo

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Est. APR 

7.24 - 35.47%

Min. credit score 

600

Check Rate

on MyAutoloan

2. Review or change your insurance

Chances are, it’s been years since you reviewed your auto insurance policy. By changing your existing policy — reducing coverage, lowering mileage limits or comparing car insurance rates — you can start saving immediately.

It’s a competitive market, and companies are hungry for your business. Chances are you're driving less than you have in years past. You may qualify for a low-mileage discount — or now drive so little that a pay-per-mile policy makes sense.

3. Sell your second car

Come on now, how often do you drive that second car? And while it sits there, you still have to register, insure and maintain it. Why not turn it into cash? The best time to sell a used car is just around the corner: Sales peak from late February to mid-April.

Even old beaters might bring in enough money to help you make a few payments on your remaining car. There are also easier ways to sell used cars than ever before, such as taking it to CarMax for a no-haggle offer that is good for a week.

4. Downsize to a cheaper car

Maybe you overspent at the dealership and now you regret having to pay for the top-of-the-line model with all those options and features. The fastest way to make the switch is by trading in — and now there are new online retailers such as Carvana and Shift to help you do that. But selling your car to a private party is apt to snag a few grand extra. Then, you can shop for a reliable three-year-old car that will save you money and serve your needs.

5. Save money on maintenance and repairs

The best way to save money on car repairs is to be vigilant about routine maintenance. Check your owner’s manual — many of which are now online — to find out exactly what has to be done and when. If repairs are needed, find a trusted mechanic and ask what has to be done immediately. Some repairs can be postponed to spread the cost out over time.

Car with shield on road

See what you could save on car insurance

Easily compare personalized rates to see how much switching car insurance could save you.

6. Boost your gas mileage

If you have a big truck or SUV, a fill-up can easily cost $75. Driving smarter and following a few simple tips will turn a weekly visit to a gas station into every two weeks or perhaps longer. Spoiler alert: The biggest gas wasters are rapid acceleration and high cruising speeds.

7. Cash in your extended warranty

You thought an extended warranty would bring you peace of mind. But if money is tight, you can get a prorated refund on the remaining balance of the contract.

While you might feel that this leaves you vulnerable to high-priced repairs, you’ll be comforted to know that Consumer Reports has seen in member surveys over time that a majority of purchasers never used the warranties after buying them. Those who did shelled out more for these plans than they got back in benefits.

Not sure where to start?

Here are a few quick ways to figure out where you could slash car expenses:

  • Use a car cost calculator to list all your regular expenses such as car payment, insurance and fuel costs. Once you get a handle on where your money is going, you can see where the fat is and figure out how to take action.

  • Estimate how much you will need in the year ahead for maintenance and repairs.

  • Create a separate account for maintenance and repairs. Any time you have extra money, tuck it in the car account so repairs won’t break the bank.

  • Check your driving record to see if past traffic tickets have dropped off, which could get you a better insurance rate.

  • Review your insurance policy to make sure you have taken advantage of all discounts.

Want to refinance your auto loan? See if you pre-qualify.

Just answer a few questions to get personalized results from our lending partners.

Check Rates

on NerdWallet

MORE LIKE THISAuto LoansLoans
Get more smart money moves – straight to your inbox
Sign up and we’ll send you Nerdy articles about the money topics that matter most to you along with other ways to help you get more from your money.