Wanna know how you can save money while protecting the environment?.

I love Cars! Everything about them appeals to me, sound, thrill, ability to drive and go anywhere.

Since childhood, I wanted to own a machine that would bring joy every time I drove. Like every kid, I had many crushes Oldschool Mustangs, Camaro's, Ferrari's, Lambo's, Bugatti's, etc.

However, as I grew these get replaced by Lexus ES350, Toyota Tacoma, and my current favorite Lexus LC500. As I need a vehicle that is reliable, efficient, luxurious, and spacious while performing outstandingly.

As car people, we are always eager for the next best car. More performance, Improved Interiors, and Incredible handling makes us weak in our knees.

There is a huge cost to this always upgrading culture and it is adversely affecting our mother nature.

Did you know, a study conducted by Toyota revealed approximately 28% of carbon dioxide emissions occur during the manufacturing process and transport of the car to the dealership. Materials like steel, rubber, glass, plastic, paints, and all the other parts and pieces that go into producing a new car leave a pretty substantial footprint.

That’s a pretty big environmental impact before the car is even on the road.

What is the best alternative? hybrid? Electric?

Turns out, vehicles marketed as environment friendly are worse.

Hybrid cars, despite lower emissions and better gas mileage, have a much larger environmental impact in their manufacture, compared to non-hybrids. The batteries that store energy for the drive train are not friendly to the environment‚ and having two engines under one hood increases manufacturing emissions. It takes 113 million BTUs of energy to make a Toyota Prius. As there are about 113,000 BTUs of energy in a gallon of gasoline, the Prius has consumed the equivalent of 1,000 gallons of gasoline before it reaches the showroom.

Even electric cars, while seemingly a more environmentally responsible option, can have a negative environmental impact if the outlet in which they are charged is not connected to a renewable energy source.

Not only manufacturing but even recycling of cars harm nature when done incorrectly.

The battery must be properly recycled so that battery acids do not leak into the air or groundwater. The discarding process of tires takes a very long time – between 50 and 80 years. They also release toxins into the air and groundwater throughout the process of decomposition. Currently, several states have no restriction on disposing of tires, and sadly only about 35% of tire rubber is being recycled.

What is the best option if you want to reduce your Carbon footprint?

Buy Used cars!!!!

You are not only reducing carbon emission produced during manufacturing a new car, but also preventing a car from ending up in a junkyard and contributing harmful toxins to the environment.

Don't take me wrong, I am not asking you to buy a car from a junkyard. Instead buy a slightly used car in good condition.

There are a ton of other benefits from purchasing a used car -

1. Purchase cost -

You save a lot of money on purchase price due to depreciation. A new car loses up to 30% of its original value in the first year. Which is great news for our wallets.

2. Insurance cost -

When compared to a new car, the insurance cost for a used car is remarkably less. Monthly savings from reduced insurance costs will add up a significant amount.

3. Repair and Maintenance -

Many car manufacturers are providing a warranty of up to 5 years. If you are purchasing a 3-year-old car, you are still getting 2-year coverage. If you do some research and opt for a reliable car, it will last you 10 to 15 years with minimum maintenance.

4. Own your Dream car -

Depreciation is not always a bad thing, it is good for us in many scenarios. As the price of the car reduces, more people can afford their dream cars. Let's take the example of my dream car - Lexus LC500, the purchase price of this car is more than $100000. However, the 2018 model in the used market is already at around $80000. That is an upfront $20000 saving. To put things in perspective you can buy a new Honda Civic for $25000.

Considering everything, buying a used car is not only good for mother nature but also good for your bank account.