Besides a home, an automobile is often the most expensive purchase a consumer ever makes—so, for obvious reasons, you don’t want to screw it up. To ensure you wind up with the right car at the best possible price, here’s a list of helpful and informative resources of use to first-time buyers and experienced negotiators alike.
For your convenience, each link below opens a new browser window or tab.
Research
follows that every $10K borrowed is $250/month for four years, and $200/month for five. Again, this is the base obligation; insurance, fuel and
periodic maintenance are above and beyond this.
News & Reviews
Consumer and Safety Info
For your convenience, each link below opens a new browser window or tab.
Research
- Edmunds First-Time New-Car Buyer Guide. There’s probably no place better for first-time buyers to start the search than here. The experts at Edmunds break down the car-buying purchase into nine different sections, starting with “Choose Your Car,” on through “Get Pricing Information,” and eventually ending with “Close the Deal.” Each section is divided into three or more detailed mini-guides, rife with nitty-gritty on everything from custom-ordering a new vehicle to making the most of a test drive. The info and advice is comprehensive, bordering on overwhelming—in which case it’s worthwhile checking out a boiled-down list of car-buying tips.
- KBB’s 10 Tips for First-Time Car Buyers. This guide to making smart car-buying decisions can be read in minutes, and it’s filled with practical advice and handy rule-of-thumbs such as:
follows that every $10K borrowed is $250/month for four years, and $200/month for five. Again, this is the base obligation; insurance, fuel and
periodic maintenance are above and beyond this.
- Current Rebates and Incentives
- Here's the latest up-to-date listing of manufacturer rebates and incentives for your area.
- Dealer Holdback
Learn the truth about the dealership's "secret" holdback - bonus money they receive from the manufacturer - and how it may affect you.
- Dealership Fees
What fees should you pay? What about advertising and dealer prep fees? Here are the answers, including a handy state-by-state chart.
- Used Car Price Quotes
Buying a used car? Save time and hassles by getting price quotes for used cars in your area. This is a free service. No obligation.
- MyAutoLoan
Submit one quick loan application and get up to four financing offers. Compare the offers and save. Try it even if you've got no credit, bad credit or a bankruptcy.
- Auto Loan Calculator
Use this handy online tool to calculate your monthly car loan payment.
- About Credit Reports
Consumer advocate Michael Royce explains credit reports and your legal right to get yours for free.
News & Reviews
Consumer and Safety Info
- Consumer Information Center
Helpful and informative consumer publications for car buyers. Check out Finding The Best Used Car, a free report you can read online. Sponsored by the U.S. Government.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Lots of valuable free car safety information including the helpful Buying a Safer Car publication. Sponsored by the U.S. Government.
- The Center For Auto Safety
This non-profit organization monitors the latest news and trends in auto safety issues. Features a detailed listing of Lemon Laws for every state. - Fuel Economy
The official