13 guides
Car buying and ownership cost guides
Independent help for car buyers. We're not a dealer, lender or insurer, and we don't take referral fees.
The real cost
Depreciation, fuel, insurance and maintenance.
- Total cost of ownership: the number that matters
Why a cheaper car can cost more over five years, and how to add it up.
- Depreciation: the biggest cost nobody sees
How cars lose value, which ones hold it better, and how to use that when buying.
- Fuel and charging costs: how to compare
Gas, hybrid and electric running costs, worked out with your own numbers.
- Check insurance costs before you buy
Insurance can vary a lot between models. Get a quote before you sign.
- Maintenance and repair costs
Scheduled service, wear items and the repairs to budget for.
Buying smart
New or used, out-the-door price, test drives and inspections.
- New, used or certified pre-owned?
The trade-offs in price, warranty, depreciation and financing.
- Negotiate the out-the-door price
Taxes, title, registration, dealer fees and add-ons, all in one number.
- A test drive checklist
What to check on the road and in the parking lot.
- Buying used: history reports and inspections
Two checks that prevent most bad used-car buys.
Loans, leases, trade-ins
Financing without overpaying.
- Car loan basics: APR, term and total interest
How loan length and rate change what you really pay.
- Lease or buy?
When leasing can make sense, and the costs to read carefully.
- Getting a fair trade-in value
Know your car's value before the dealer tells you.
Safety
Crash ratings and recalls.
- Safety ratings and recalls
Where to find crash test ratings and check a car's open recalls.