Buying a Car – USAGov

Buying a Car

Learn what to do before buying, leasing, or renting a car.

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Buy a Fresh Car

Whether you are buying or leasing a fresh car, consider these tips to get the best deal and avoid problems:

  • Compare car makes and models. Visit the websites of car manufacturers to review the models that interest you.
  • Research the dealer`s price (or wholesale price) for the car and options. This information can help you negotiating the final price.
  • Find out if the manufacturer is suggesting rebates that will lower the cost.
  • Read car advertisements closely. Ads may over promise on the deals, or only apply to a puny group of buyers.
  • Get price quotes from several dealers. Find out if the amounts quoted are the prices before or after rebates are deducted.
  • Research financing options. Be mindful of “loan packing.”, where a lender presses you to add features and services to your car to increase the amount of your loan.
  • Avoid low-value extras such as credit insurance, auto club memberships, extended warranties, rust proofing, and upholstery finishes.
  • Get estimates for how much your auto insurance would cost for each model you are considering.

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