Buying a Car

Guides to help first-time and returning buyers navigate the car purchase process.

Updated daily  ·  16 stories
Add-Ons That Dealers Pitch—and What They're Actually Worth
Buying a Car

Add-Ons That Dealers Pitch—and What They're Actually Worth

Paint protection, gap insurance, extended warranties—a clear breakdown of common dealership add-ons and when they make sense.

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · Jan 9, 2023 · 7 min read

Latest In Buying a Car

Before You Visit the Dealership: A Pre-Purchase Checklist
Buying a Car

Before You Visit the Dealership: A Pre-Purchase Checklist

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · May 4, 2025 · 5 min read
Car-Buying Myths That Cost Shoppers Real Money
Buying a Car

Car-Buying Myths That Cost Shoppers Real Money

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · Feb 21, 2023 · 6 min read
Certified Pre-Owned vs. Regular Used: What the Label Actually Gets You
Buying a Car

Certified Pre-Owned vs. Regular Used: What the Label Actually Gets You

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · Apr 1, 2026 · 6 min read
Financing a Car Through a Dealer vs. Your Own Bank
Buying a Car

Financing a Car Through a Dealer vs. Your Own Bank

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · Feb 25, 2024 · 6 min read
How to Judge Whether a Used Car's Asking Price Is Fair
Buying a Car

How to Judge Whether a Used Car's Asking Price Is Fair

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · Mar 7, 2024 · 7 min read
Key Terms in a Car Purchase Contract
Buying a Car

Key Terms in a Car Purchase Contract

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · Sep 12, 2025 · 5 min read
Leasing vs. Buying: A Side-by-Side Look at Long-Term Cost
Buying a Car

Leasing vs. Buying: A Side-by-Side Look at Long-Term Cost

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · Jan 22, 2025 · 6 min read
Negotiating a Car Price When You Hate Negotiating
Buying a Car

Negotiating a Car Price When You Hate Negotiating

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · May 10, 2024 · 6 min read
New Car vs. Used Car: What the Numbers Actually Tell You
Buying a Car

New Car vs. Used Car: What the Numbers Actually Tell You

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · Oct 10, 2023 · 6 min read
Reading a Vehicle History Report Without Getting Lost
Buying a Car

Reading a Vehicle History Report Without Getting Lost

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · Nov 1, 2024 · 7 min read
The Car-Buying Process, Start to Finish
Buying a Car

The Car-Buying Process, Start to Finish

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · Jan 4, 2023 · 8 min read
Trade-In or Private Sale: Getting the Most From Your Current Vehicle
Buying a Car

Trade-In or Private Sale: Getting the Most From Your Current Vehicle

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · Aug 19, 2023 · 6 min read
What 'Out-the-Door Price' Really Means—and Why It's the Only Number That Matters
Buying a Car

What 'Out-the-Door Price' Really Means—and Why It's the Only Number That Matters

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · Oct 25, 2024 · 7 min read
Why Buyers Regret Their Car Purchase—and How to Avoid It
Buying a Car

Why Buyers Regret Their Car Purchase—and How to Avoid It

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · May 15, 2026 · 5 min read
Why Your Credit Score Changes the Car Deal More Than the Sticker Price
Buying a Car

Why Your Credit Score Changes the Car Deal More Than the Sticker Price

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · Jul 9, 2023 · 7 min read

Top Writers In Buying a Car

Cars & Driving Editorial Team
Cars & Driving Editorial Team
Staff Writer