Tent footprint?

[mac12]

OK, so have bought first tent, HUGE excitement!!! We are on a budget and have smallish car so I'm looking at the rest of the kit and wondering how essential some of it is - so my question is tent footprint, yes or no? Does it make a big difference to longevity of tent/insulation etc? And do I need to spend £50 on a footprint, or could I just cut a cheapo groundsheet to size? Any tips much appreciated, thanks x

They are good if you have rain: you don't have to clean and dry your SIG as you fold your tent.

You can use any cheap tarp cut to size, though. Just make sure it doesn't protrude beyond the tent, or rain will run down it and pool between it and your groundsheet.

Our last tent lasted 15 years and we've never had a footprint. I know some people swear by them though.

I use one simply so that the tent stays clean. Makes packing up quicker and easier.

Thanks guys, may go for the cheap tarp cut down to size - anything to avoid extra cleaning & drying