Buying guides
Buying Your Next Car: 5 Steps to a Deal That Fits Your Life.
Find a vehicle that fits your life. Follow five practical steps to clarify your needs, contact the dealer, and review a car and deal with confidence.
Research & guides
Buying guides
Practical guidance for choosing and evaluating a vehicle.
Buying guides
Ready for a Better Car? Compare the Upgrade With What You Pay Now
Plan your next car using the payment you already make. Compare trade payoff, insurance, fuel, maintenance and the full cost of a better-fitting vehicle.
Buying guides
Used Car Buying Checklist: What to Check Before You Sign
A four-stage used-car checklist for VIN, recalls, condition, test drive, history, fees, financing, warranty and delivery paperwork.
Buying guides
Car Dealer Fees Explained: Compare the Out-the-Door Price
Compare dealer charges, taxes, add-ons and financing with an itemized out-the-door quote. See a fee example and copy a request to send sellers.
Buying guides
What is an Autorrive Report? Know More Before You Choose Your Car
Explore the Autorrive Report: crash-test ratings, safety equipment, vehicle specifications, recall information and fuel estimates to help you choose your next car.
Buying guides
Do I need an extended warranty when I buy a car?
See how an extended service contract can help with covered repairs, towing, rental transportation and trip interruption when a family vacation hits a breakdown.
Buying guides
Best Affordable Trucks: What They Cost to Own
Compare affordable trucks by payments, fuel, repairs, insurance, warranty and resale. See our three finalists and what can change the winner.
Buying guides
Best Affordable Minivans: What They Cost to Own
Compare affordable minivans by payments, fuel, repairs, insurance, warranty and resale. See our three finalists and what can change the winner.
Buying guides
Best Affordable SUVs: What They Cost to Own
Compare affordable suvs by payments, fuel, repairs, insurance, warranty and resale. See our three finalists and what can change the winner.
Buying guides
Best Affordable Sedans: What They Cost to Own
Compare affordable sedans by payments, fuel, repairs, insurance, warranty and resale. See our three finalists and what can change the winner.
Buying guides
Best Affordable Cars: What They Really Cost to Own
Compare affordable sedans, SUVs, minivans and trucks by payments, fuel, repairs, insurance and resale. Find the best fit for your real budget.
Buying guides
Best Used SUVs Under $20,000 for Off-Road Use
Compare 4Runner, Grand Cherokee and Forester for off-road use under $20,000. See which configurations have low range and what the equipment stars mean.
Buying guides
Used SUVs Under $20,000 With Useful Cargo Space
Compare seats-up cargo space in used SUVs under $20,000, including CR-V, RAV4, CX-5, Highlander and Explorer, with transparent volume ratings.
Buying guides
Reliable Used SUVs Under $20,000: Read the Data, Then Inspect the Car
Compare RepairPal reliability ratings for used SUVs under $20,000 and learn where model-wide data end and the inspection of an individual car begins.
Buying guides
Best Used SUVs Under $20,000 for Families
Choose a family SUV under $20,000 by seating access, stroller space and daily needs. Compare specific CR-V, Pilot, Highlander and Explorer years.
Buying guides
Best Used SUVs Under $20,000: Choose for the Job You Need Done
Compare used SUVs under $20,000 by cargo space, family needs, safety, reliability and off-road equipment, with year-specific facts and clear trade-offs.
Buying guides
Should You Buy a Used EV If You Cannot Charge at Home?
A used EV can work without home charging if the routine fits. Test nearby chargers, your weekly energy cost, and a backup plan before buying.
Buying guides
Buying a Used Car Without Seeing It: Decide How You Can Say No
Buying a used car from a distant dealer? Verify the vehicle, arrange local eyes on it, and understand deposits, delivery costs, and written return terms.
Buying guides
What If a Used Car Dealer Will Not Allow an Independent Inspection?
A dealer limiting off-site test drives is different from refusing inspection. Try a workable arrangement, then decide whether the remaining risk is acceptable.
Buying guides
Can You Finance a Car for the Rebate and Then Refinance?
A financing rebate can be useful, but refinancing is not automatic. Compare written incentive terms, payoff costs, and the loan you may have to keep.
Buying guides
Should You Buy a Used Car With No Service Records?
Missing service records leave questions, but they do not prove neglect. Learn which gaps matter and how inspection and pricing should affect your offer.
Buying guides
Buying a Used Car With Only One Key: Settle It Before Delivery
Buying a used car with one key? Price a complete replacement, settle who pays, and put any promise for a second key in writing before delivery.
Buying guides
Auto Loan Preapproval Gives You a Starting Point
Use an auto loan preapproval to compare real offers, understand lender conditions, and choose a car that fits your budget before you commit.
Buying guides
Buying a Used Electric Car Starts With Where You Will Charge
Evaluate a used electric car through your charging routine, battery evidence, remaining warranty, real driving needs, and ownership costs.
Buying guides
How Much Car Can You Comfortably Afford
Build a car budget around the payment and the expenses that come with ownership, including insurance, fuel, repairs, and cash you need to keep.
Buying guides
How to Compare Auto Loans When the Payments Differ
Compare auto loans using the amount borrowed, APR, term, and total payments, with a worked example showing what a longer loan changes.
Buying guides
How to Recognize a Good Used Car Deal
Judge a used car deal by comparable vehicles, condition, repair needs, and the complete offer, with practical advice on discussing your trade.
Buying guides
Make Your Used Car Test Drive Count
Plan a used car test drive that reveals comfort, visibility, equipment problems, and unusual driving behavior before you choose a vehicle.
Buying guides
Negative Equity Does Not Disappear When You Trade
See how trade value and loan payoff create negative equity, where the unpaid balance goes, and what to weigh before replacing your current car.
Buying guides
What a Used Car Inspection Should Help You Decide
Get more from a pre-purchase inspection by choosing the right mechanic and turning the findings into a clear repair budget and buying decision.