Buying a Car

Guides to help Americans navigate new and used car purchases confidently.

16 stories

Buying a Car

Before You Set Foot in a Dealership

Latest in Buying a Car

Buying a Car

Car Buying for First-Timers: What No One Thinks to Explain

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 9 min · Apr 10, 2023
Buying a Car

Certified Pre-Owned Programs: What the Designation Actually Covers

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 8 min · Sep 24, 2025
Buying a Car

Common Myths About Car Negotiations That Cost Buyers Money

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 5 min · Sep 29, 2024
Buying a Car

Financing Through a Dealer vs. Your Own Bank or Credit Union

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 6 min · Mar 11, 2023
Buying a Car

How Auto Loan Interest Works — and Why the Math Matters

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

Key Terms in Every Car Purchase Agreement

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 6 min · Apr 19, 2026
Buying a Car

Leasing vs. Buying: Understanding the Financial and Practical Differences

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

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

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 6 min · Jun 18, 2023
Buying a Car

Private Seller vs. Dealership: Buying a Used Car from Each

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 6 min · Feb 29, 2024
Buying a Car

Reading a Used Car Vehicle History Report

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 7 min · Sep 17, 2023
Buying a Car

The Add-Ons Dealers Offer at Signing — and How to Evaluate Each One

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 7 min · May 1, 2025
Buying a Car

The Car-Buying Process, Start to Finish

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 8 min · May 21, 2026
Buying a Car

What a Car's Window Sticker Is Really Telling You

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

What a Pre-Purchase Inspection Covers — and Why It Matters for Used Cars

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

Why Your Trade-In Offer Varies So Much Between Dealerships

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 5 min · Feb 14, 2024

Top Writers in Buying a Car

Cars & Driving Editorial Team

Cars & Driving Editorial Team

Contributor