Cars
Straightforward help with buying, financing, running and looking after a car for less, including new vs used, electric vs gas, car loans, true ownership costs and seasonal car care.
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Buying & Selling
Buying a new or used car with confidence: research, test drives, inspections, negotiating a fair price and handling your trade-in and paperwork.
Cost of Ownership
What a car really costs to own, beyond the price tag: depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs and fees, and how to keep them down.
Maintenance
Keeping your car safe and reliable with regular maintenance, seasonal checks, winter preparation and knowing the warning signs of common problems.
Electric & Hybrid
Deciding between electric, hybrid and gas cars, with running costs, range, charging at home and on the road, and what suits how you drive.
Car Loans
Financing a car without overpaying: how auto loans work, getting preapproved, comparing rates and terms, and avoiding costly dealer add-ons.
Car calculators
Car loans, gas costs and EV vs gas, worked out as you type.
About buying and owning a car
A car is one of the biggest purchases most households make, and the costs keep coming long after you drive it home. Knowing what to look for before you buy, how to finance it sensibly and how to look after it can save you thousands over the years you own it.
Buying and selling
Start by deciding between new and used. Our step-by-step guides to buying a used car and buying a new car cover research, test drives, inspections and paperwork, and how to negotiate a car price helps you get the best out-the-door deal.
Paying for it
How car loans work explains interest rates, loan terms and how to get preapproved so you can compare dealer financing. The true cost of owning a car adds up everything else, from depreciation and insurance to fuel, maintenance and repairs, and is worth reading before you choose a model.
Electric, hybrid or gas
The right choice depends on how far you drive, where you can charge and what you pay for electricity and gas. Electric, hybrid or gas compares running costs, range and practicality.
Keeping it running
Regular maintenance is the cheapest way to avoid big repair bills. Our car maintenance schedule shows what to check and when. Before cold weather, see how to winterize your car, the winter driving safety checklist and how to tell if your car battery is dying.
Planning a long drive? See our road trip guide in the Travel section.
Car questions
A used car is usually cheaper overall because someone else has absorbed the steepest depreciation, while a new car offers the latest safety features, a full warranty and sometimes better financing deals. Our new and used car buying guides explain the trade-offs and how to get a good deal either way.
Look at the total monthly cost, not just the loan payment. Add insurance, fuel or charging, maintenance, repairs, registration and parking. Many people aim to keep total car costs to a modest share of their take-home pay, and a shorter loan with a bigger down payment keeps interest costs down.
Follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. Many modern cars need an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, with tire rotations at similar intervals and other services at set milestones. Your car's maintenance reminder and our maintenance schedule guide help you keep track.
Almost every state requires liability coverage, and lenders require collision and comprehensive coverage if you have a loan or lease. Compare quotes from several insurers before you buy a car, because premiums vary a lot between models.