Buying a Car

Brief primer on how to buy a car, from deciding on a vehicle to finding the best payment option.

Links to organizations and government agencies reporting on car safety tests, ratings and recalls.

How to put advertised promises of low interest rates and high trade-in allowances into proper context.

Worksheet detailing a car's base price, invoice price and sticker price for use in negotiating.

Explanation of how buying a used car directly from the owner differs from buying from a used car dealership.

Information about what to expect when buying a used car at auction and how to protect yourself.

General primer on how to research a used car before buying it, including your rights as a consumer.

Overview of the two main car payment options: paying in full or financing the cost over time.

What you need to know about car financing before signing on the dotted line.

Glossary of car insurance terms, how to obtain affordable coverage and state-specific auto insurance information.

Information about leasing a car, including federal regulations, what to do before you lease and a sample leasing form.

An explanation of terms, incentives and warranties commonly offered by used car dealers.

Gas mileage guides, vehicle safety search, checklists and other valuable materials to help you buy a car.

Definitions of terms commonly associated with car financing.