For most of us, our vehicles are an essential part of daily life. We commute to work, pick up kids, grab groceries, and maybe even take the car on a long road trip.

Because we spend so much time in our cars, having a vehicle that fits your needs and lifestyle is crucial. Nothing is worse than being pressed for time and discovering at the last moment that your vehicle isn’t functioning or needs a costly repair. (Insert frustrated scream here.)

At the same time, a vehicle can consume a substantial portion of your budget, especially when you include the costs of maintenance, gas, and insurance. As if that’s not enough, car prices have increased significantly over the last several years.   

Given these financial realities, it’s worth asking the question — how do people afford quality vehicles?