Buying a Car

Straightforward guidance on navigating new and used vehicle purchases.

16 stories

Buying a Car

Before You Set Foot in a Dealership

Latest in Buying a Car

Buying a Car

Buying a Car for the First Time: What to Expect

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 8 min · Feb 22, 2024
Buying a Car

Car-Buying Myths That Cost Households Real Money

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 6 min · Mar 7, 2026
Buying a Car

Certified Pre-Owned vs. Standard Used: What the Label Actually Means

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 5 min · Feb 14, 2025
Buying a Car

Dealer Financing vs. Outside Financing: How Each Option Works

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 6 min · Apr 12, 2024
Buying a Car

Getting a Pre-Purchase Inspection Done Right

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 7 min · Jul 17, 2025
Buying a Car

How Car Loans Work: APR, Loan Term, and Total Cost Explained

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 7 min · Jan 25, 2024
Buying a Car

New Car vs. Used Car: What the Trade-Offs Actually Look Like

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 7 min · Aug 22, 2023
Buying a Car

Private Seller vs. Dealership: Weighing the Two Ways to Buy Used

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 6 min · Apr 23, 2026
Buying a Car

Questions Worth Asking Before You Sign Any Car Contract

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 6 min · Apr 15, 2023
Buying a Car

Reading the Fine Print: Common Add-Ons Dealerships Offer at Signing

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 5 min · Jan 11, 2024
Buying a Car

The Car-Buying Process, Start to Finish

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 7 min · Jan 9, 2024
Buying a Car

The Case For and Against Leasing Instead of Buying

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 7 min · Apr 15, 2024
Buying a Car

Understanding the True Cost of Owning a Car

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 8 min · Feb 18, 2023
Buying a Car

What a Vehicle History Report Actually Tells You

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 8 min · Mar 29, 2023
Buying a Car

Why Your Trade-In Offer Is Lower Than You Expected

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 6 min · Dec 11, 2025

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