Expect to spend about $250,000 setting up a small homestead and $20,000 per year on ongoing costs like utilities, healthcare, vehicle maintenance and gas, animal feed, and property tax, according to Grocycle. Homesteading is becoming a popular lifestyle for several reasons. As a homesteader, you know you’re working towards creating a more sustainable future. You’ll also enjoy consuming quality home-grown food, free from toxic chemicals.
However, homesteading entails doing chores all day, including hauling farm equipment and transporting your produce. In fact, owning a dependable automobile is essential, as it enhances efficiency. If you’re looking to become a homesteader, here are some tips for choosing a reliable homestead vehicle.
Determine Your Homestead Activities
Your choice of vehicle will depend a lot on the activities you engage in around the homestead. For instance, if your daily chores entail collecting and distributing farm produce, you’ll need an automobile with enough trunk space. Also, determine if you’ll be engaging in DIY activities like repairing existing structures and building sheds often.
If so, you’ll need a multi-purpose vehicle like a pickup truck. There are many benefits linked to owning trucks, including versatility, safety, and sufficient room for storage and seating. Nonetheless, you might choose utility vehicles or even SUVs based on your specific farm needs.
Consider Necessary Vehicle Features
When choosing between homestead vehicles, take into account the type of features you want. For example, you can choose a new truck with advanced technologies or a used one with dependable qualities. In most cases, homesteaders choose trucks with steel bodies and practical features to boost productivity on the farm.
To ensure you make the right choices, research the market carefully. Start by comparing truck ratings based on size, features, performance, gas mileage, and price. This step ensures you select the most dependable and affordable full-size, small, or mid-size truck.
Set A Realistic Budget
Once you’ve identified a suitable car for your homestead, set a realistic budget. When creating a budget, take note of the purchase price, maintenance cost, road taxes, and registration fees. Knowing the total cost of owning an automobile will help you decide whether you should buy it using cash or take an auto loan.
Choosing the best homestead vehicle shouldn’t be difficult. Start by identifying the type of homestead vehicle you need based on your daily activities. You’ll also want to establish a car budget because the amount you wish to spend will influence your final decision. After settling these issues, take time to compare truck prices, sizes, and other features.
Suggested image: https://unsplash.com/photos/flWsg878m_I