Let’s face it: Not every one of us could simply get everything we want on a whim.

Even getting a car is a much harder thing to do for many of us. So, unless you have dollars to spare in your bank account, here are some helpful tips for eventually driving the car of your dreams.

Searching and Researching

Just because a sedan costs way much more than what you can handle doesn’t mean you end up hopeless. Better deals on used cars are everywhere. But of course, you need to get geared up to search and spot the best deal around. And once you find that prospect, the next steps would be intensive research and testing.

Thoroughly check the car’s exterior and interior. From the inside, check for any smell of mildew or mold as this may indicate previous flooding. When checking the doors, make sure that each door is aligned with the body, as any misalignment could indicate past accidents and major repairs. Major impacts usually cause a little warping of the automobile’s body.

Then comes the car’s history. Of course, you can’t just do the guesswork, trying to go into the car’s history by just checking it’s physical appearance and performance. In Australia you can always obtain an automobile’s history report using the vehicle identification number (VIN) and running it through the PPSR database. You’ll know whether the used car for sale was written off, stolen or is still tied to financial encumbrances.

Impulse Control: Know When to Spend

You might not easily notice it, but your impulsive spending could result in accumulated expenses that might just surprise you at the end of the day. Yes, we understand that going out and about and splurging on the things you love are what keeps you happy after all. But if you want to save up for something, say, a car of your choice, self-control is the key to inching yourself closer to your dream.

So, how do you keep track and impose some realistic limitations to your cravings? One tip that you might find helpful is listing down all your expenses every day. You’ll notice that those daily trips to coffee shops with your friends really add up to hundreds of dollars every month. After getting concrete ideas on where your expenses go, it’s time to take control and limit your daily habits like cutting off your coffee shop routines to just three times a week for the first month, then reducing the frequency the following months. You’ll be surprised at how much savings you get in the end.

Save Up (And Use a Dedicated Bank Account)

If you need to do the extra mile just to get those savings racking up, then it’s time to try opening a special bank account. And every pay day, set aside a certain amount to be transferred to that account, but make sure you leave some for yourself — just a realistic amount to keep those expenses down without starving yourself, of course.

Launch a Garage Sale

We all have these clothes, gadgets or any other assets we no longer need or use. Why not earn some more cash by selling them? Whether you have a library of all those old books or a closetful of clothes you no longer wear, a garage sale can always add to your savings. No matter how minimal the amount is, you’d be happy to see your savings grow as weeks or months pas.

The Bottom Line

Saving up and earning a little more are the key to getting that car of your dreams. After all, nothing could be more satisfying than driving your own car you bought with all your hard-earned cash.