Buying Advice

Use our car buying advice to get the best deal on your next purchase. Learn how to negotiate with new-car dealers and what to look for when buying a used car. Plus, research the most dependable cars and trucks, learn which models have the best and worst resale values and find out which vehicles are most popular among Cars.com users.

Buying Advice Index

  • Quick Quiz

    Find out if you should buy a new car or a used car by taking this short online quiz. Read more 

  • Quick Start Guide

    Are you ready to buy a car but aren't quite sure how to begin the process? Cars.com's editors help you find the right vehicle with these four easy steps. Read more 

  • Manufacturer Warranties

    Which manufacturers have the best warranty coverage? Make sense of new-car and used-car warranties and compare basic, powertrain, corrosion and roadside assistance warranties from 50 manufacturers. Read more 

  • Negotiating With Car Dealers

    Many buyers are uncomfortable with the new-car shopping experience, but they don't have to be. Learn how to negotiate with car dealers in order to get the best deal on your next new car. Read more 

  • How to Buy a Used Car

    Buying a used car can save you some money, but it won't necessarily save you any time. If you research a used-car purchase like you would a new car, you're far more likely to get a great deal. Read more 

  • Best & Worst Car Resale Values

    Resale values, also known as residuals, should be a key factor in any new-car purchase. Which cars will retain the most value in three years when you're ready to sell? And which will retain the least? Read more 

  • Should You Buy New or Used?

    Used cars and new cars each have their own pros and cons. Examine the benefits and drawbacks to decide whether you should purchase new or used. Read more 

  • Tax Credits and Cars

    Hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles are well known for their green credentials, but they can also save you money on your taxes. Thanks to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, certain cars can earn credits of up to $4,000. Read more 

  • Most Popular New & Used Cars

    Which are the most popular new and used cars among Cars.com users? See the Top 10 most requested vehicles for each category. Read more 

  • Most Dependable Cars

    Find out which cars and trucks are the most dependable during the first three years of ownership, according to a study by J.D. Power and Associates. Read more 

  • Customizing a New Car

    Customizing a new car with special options may provide extra value at resale time, but some add-ons don't offer much return on investment. Find out the most and least valuable options. Read more 

  • What's on the Window Sticker?

    A car's window sticker contains a wealth of valuable information for car shoppers. It can also serve as a valuable reference for eventual repairs or a private-party sale. Read more