Shopping for a Car This Weekend? We Can Help


If you’re looking for an excuse to justify putting down money on more than just one pony this weekend and buying a car is under serious consideration, now is a great time to do it — summer car-shopping season is well underway. But if you’ve never purchased a new vehicle before or you just want a quick refresher on pointers to get the best price, you’re in the right place. Step right up and check out our list of links below to help ensure you come out ahead.
Related: What’s the Best New-Car Warranty for 2018?
What car should I buy? That depends on a lot of factors, but our reviews can help. Check out our recent additions:
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Pickup trucks: Nissan Frontier
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SUVs: Nissan Kicks, Acura RDX, Infiniti QX80, Subaru Ascent, Volvo XC40, Chevrolet Tahoe, Mitsubishi Outlander
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Sedans: Lexus ES, Toyota Avalon
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Hatchbacks: Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla Hatchback
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Fuel sippers: Nissan Leaf
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Performance cars: Porsche 718 GTS, Porsche 911 Carrera T, Porsche 911 GT3
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.
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

Patrick Masterson is Chief Copy Editor at Cars.com. He joined the automotive industry in 2016 as a lifelong car enthusiast and has achieved the rare feat of applying his journalism and media arts degrees as a writer, fact-checker, proofreader and editor his entire professional career. He lives by an in-house version of the AP stylebook and knows where semicolons can go.
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