Shopping for a Car This Weekend? We Can Help


Blistering temperatures may be easing off (or maybe you’re just not noticing them because you know how to work your air conditioning), but automotive incentives are starting to heat up as we approach the end of the month and the traditional end-of-summer sales blowout that is Labor Day weekend. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle and you’re interested in getting a jump on everyone else wandering the lots, we have your back; check the links below on how to shop smart for a new car.
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: Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Nissan Titan XD
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SUVs: Honda Pilot, BMW X2, Infiniti QX50, Jeep Cherokee, Lexus RX 350L, Maserati Levante GTS, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Subaru Ascent
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Sedans: Mercedes-Benz CLS450, Genesis G70
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Hatchbacks: Hyundai Veloster
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Fuel sippers: Honda Insight
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Performance cars: Mazda MX-5 Miata, Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody, Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye, Ford Mustang Bullitt, Audi TT RS
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Wagons: Buick Regal TourX
Which cars have the best deals right now? Check out our top deals for August. As always, your discounts may vary, so check with 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.
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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