Clark Howard Buying A New Car -

: To keep your finances healthy, aim to put 20% down, limit the loan term to 48 months (4 years), and ensure total vehicle expenses stay under 10% of your monthly income. What to Keep to Yourself

: Do not negotiate based on monthly payments. Instead, focus strictly on the total "out-the-door" price, which includes all taxes and fees, to ensure you aren't overpaying.

Don't mention paying in cash too early, as dealers often make more profit on financing and may be less willing to negotiate the sale price if they know they won't get that kickback. Maintenance & Longevity clark howard buying a new car

When talking to a salesperson, avoid revealing information that could weaken your leverage:

Do mention you have financing already lined up until the very end. : To keep your finances healthy, aim to

: If your car is over 150,000 miles and annual repairs exceed $3,000, it's generally time to trade it in for more predictable costs. Are you considering a specific make or model , or Report: The Average Price of a New Vehicle - Clark Howard

: Perform major maintenance at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles to extend the car's lifespan and prevent expensive breakdowns. Don't mention paying in cash too early, as

: Always line up your financing through a credit union or bank before you ever step onto a dealer's lot. This prevents the dealer from using "monthly payment talk" to hide the true cost of the loan.