The champagne may be gone and the luster of your New Year’s celebrations firmly in the rearview mirror, but the need to purchase a new car may not be. January isn’t a particularly great time to be putting down money on a new ride if you’re in hot pursuit of a good deal to start your year off right, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some hints to be taken — particularly if you’re in the market for a 2018 model. Check out our links below to see not only what you can find on lots heading into 2019, but also how you can get ahead on a deal before you ever hit the lots.
Related: 8 Cars Takin’ a Dirt Nap in 2019
- Pickup trucks: Ram 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Ford F-150 Raptor
- SUVs: Hyundai Santa Fe, Tesla Model X, Cadillac XT4, Lincoln Nautilus
- Sedans: Volvo S60, Kia Forte, Volkswagen Jetta, Genesis G70, Nissan Altima
- Hybrids: Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
- Wagons: Mercedes-AMG E63
- Performance: McLaren 570S Spider
Which cars have the best deals right now? Check out our top deals for January. As always, your discounts may vary, so see your dealer for specifics.
Should I buy new or used? Read up on the pros and cons of each. If you go used, review our used-car buyers’ checklist and consider whether you want a certified pre-owned car.
How much can I afford? Read our primer. Then use our Price Comparison Tool while you shop to find what’s right for you.
Should I finance, lease or pay cash? That depends, but this might help you decide. How do I get the best lease rate? Bone up on common lease terminology, plus our tips.
How do I get the best financing rate? Our game plan lays out some advice. While you’re at it, here’s what you need to know about auto loans and what you’ll need to get one.
Anything I shouldn’t do when I’m at the dealer? Yep. Avoid these pitfalls.
Should I get an extended warranty? That depends. Here’s what you need to know.
How do I sell or trade in my old car? Learn how to prep your car before you sell it to a dealer, how to trade it in and how to deal with taxes and other considerations. If you still owe money on your old car, read this. Finally, if you want to sell it private party, here’s how to create the picture-perfect ad and how to seal the deal.
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