Your 5-Step Game Plan For Buying A Car
Use this tip sheet to help make the process a bit easier.
1. Your top price. Run the numbers with our monthly-car-payment calculator at kiplinger.com/tools to figure out how much you can spend. Never reveal to a dealer your top monthly payment.
2. Financing. Get preapproved by your bank or credit union and know what rate you qualify for so that you can compare it with the rate the dealer's finance office offers you.
3. Target price. Look up dealer retail prices on Edmunds.com for each model you'll test-drive. Be sure to factor in options, mileage and the condition of the vehicle.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
4. Competing deals. Arm yourself with printouts on similar vehicles from AutoTrader.com, Cars.com or the local classifieds. A competing offer is probably the best motivator for a seller to lower the price.
5. When to walk away. If something feels fishy or the price is too high, go to the next seller on your list. If you've done your homework, you'll know when the deal is right.
-
How to Protect Yourself and Others From a Troubled Adult ChildThis case of a violent adult son whose parents are in denial is an example of the extreme risks some parents face if they neglect essential safety precautions.
-
To Build Client Relationships That Last, Embrace SimplicityAs more automation becomes the norm, you can distinguish yourself as a financial professional by using technology wisely and prioritizing personal touches.
-
Client Demand Is Forcing Advisers to Specialize: How to DeliverThe complexity of wealthy clients' needs — combined with AI and consumer demand — suggests the future of financial planning belongs to specialized experts.
-
9 Types of Insurance You Probably Don't NeedFinancial Planning If you're paying for these types of insurance, you may be wasting your money. Here's what you need to know.
-
10 Things You Should Know About Buying a Car Today, Even if You've Bought BeforeIf buying a car is on your to-do list, and it's been a while since you went shopping for a new one, this guide will help avoid any nasty shocks in the showroom.
-
Get the Best Car Deal in Retirement: Here's the TrickPlanning on shopping for a new car this Labor Day weekend? Here’s how to haggle for a better price, even though you're retired.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2026Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to save for retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2026 limits and income-based phaseouts.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
