Car Buying Tips & Advice

The best time to buy a car doesn't boil down to just one weekend, month or season. You have lots of opportunities to find great deals and discounts on cars, and we list them here, along with some pros and cons for the holiday weekends that are advertised as offering great car deals.

You may have to sign up to 40 different forms when you're buying a car, but they're not all equally important. Here's how to review your sales contract and other important forms when you're purchasing a new or used car.

An auto show can be a valuable tool for someone in the market to buy a new car. Here's how to shop the show floor.

When the floodwaters recede, they often leave behind damaged cars, and that's where trouble can begin for used-car buyers.

Most car shoppers use the web as they research their purchase, and it usually goes fine. But scams can surface. Here's how to spot one that could cost you thousands of dollars.

If a car has been totaled and is then repaired and resold, it gets a "branded" title. Are these so-called salvage-title cars OK to buy? Not without a lot of thought and a thorough inspection.

Buying a new car is a big step, but it doesn't have to be a daunting one. Here's how to research, locate, price and negotiate to buy your new car.

Here are more than 100 tips, hacks and shortcuts for finding and buying a used car you can count on, compiled by our in-house car-shopping experts.

Edmunds True Cost to Own^® shows hidden costs of car ownership, helping you see that the least expensive vehicle to buy isn't always the least expensive to own. Here's how to use this valuable car-shopping tool.

What fees should you expect to pay when you buy a new car? This chart from Edmunds shows the most common ones you may encounter.

Do you have bad credit or no credit at all? If so, getting a car loan with a decent interest rate can be tough. Here are nine steps that will address your credit situation and help you get into a new ride.

Whether you need a three-row SUV with loads of room for passengers and cargo or a fuel-efficient car for errands, Parents and Edmunds recommend 10 great choices.

The finance and insurance office is where you sign the sales contract, but it's also where you'll be pitched additional products, such as extended warranties. Here's how to make smarter decisions in the F&I room.

What's the difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive? Which is right for you in snow, ice or sand? Edmunds sorts out the confusing terminology, explains how AWD and 4WD work, and lays out the pros and cons. Here's handy information for buying your next car, truck or SUV.

Even if you're paying cash, you may have to sign up to 40 different forms when you're buying a car. Not all are equally important, though. Here are six documents to read carefully when you're purchasing a new or used car. A little time invested up front can avoid problems later.

Used electric vehicles can be a bargain, with the bonus of inexpensive charging and low maintenance costs. But EVs aren't for everyone. Here are a few reasons why you might — or might not & want to buy an electric car with some miles on it.

Cousin cars offer you a unique opportunity to get more for your used-car dollar. Here's what to look for.

Buying an electric vehicle isn't like buying an ordinary car. Here are a few things to consider before you purchase.

To celebrate National Dog Day, here are 8 dog-centric features to check when you're car shopping. T-bone dispenser? Maybe next year.

Here is a quick list of dos and don'ts to help you plan the purchase and maintain the element of surprise.

When you're car shopping, accurate intel and a good battle plan will get you the best price.

The finance and insurance office is where you sign the sales contract, but it's also where you'll be pitched additional products, such as extended warranties. Here's how to make smarter decisions in the F&I room.

Use these 25 tips to streamline your road to the purchase of a new family car.

Do you wonder why it can take hours to buy car? Or what the salesman is doing when he huddles with the manager? We've got answers for you.

Shoppers for certified pre-owned cars do deep online research and are older than other used-car shoppers. Finally, CPO really resonates with women: They shop more for CPO cars than for used or new ones.

Are you the owner of a new boat? Congratulations: Here's how to get the best truck or SUV to tow it.

It's usually a good idea to sleep on a car deal before signing the contract. But when incentives and promotions are expiring, buying on the spot can save you money.

You hear about things you shouldn't tell a car salesperson. Here are 10 things you should say for a faster, less stressful purchase. "I'll pay sticker" isn't one of them.

Edmunds.com lists which carmakers offer the 10 best certified pre-owned (CPO) programs, based on their warranty coverage and other benefits.

If you shop carefully and use these online tools, you can get a reliable used car for $5,000.

Edmunds helps you shop for used cars with more than 100 tips, covering everything from picking the right used car to finishing up the paperwork.

Edmunds.com offers a wide range of resources to help used car shoppers. This guide points you to the articles and services you need to find the right car and get the best deal.

Despite widely advertised cheap leases, you might save more money by buying a good used car.

EV and plug-in hybrid car shopping can be easy and even fun if you prepare with our expert advice.

Yes, you can avoid a multi-hour car deal. Here are tips that will help you save time when you're buying a car, including a paperwork checklist and ideas on how to motivate the dealership to move things along.

I've often wondered why shoppers aren't more particular about the salesperson they'll work with. If it were me, I'd want to work with the top seller. Here's why.

Check emissions and other requirements before you bring a car across state lines or you could have registration nightmares.

Do you have bad credit or new credit and need to secure a car loan? Here are seven steps that will help you make that happen.

Cheap gas prices don't last forever. History shows that prices climb despite occasional dips. Plan your car purchases accordingly.