Want to Buy a Car in September? Start Here
Though Labor Day weekend is firmly in the rearview mirror and September’s best time to buy a new car is behind us, you may not be have the time (or patience) to wait until the end of the month — and that’s why we write this. Everything below is for the shopper who’s short on time and knowledge of the car-shopping process. Check out our list of links on how to decide on what kind of vehicle you want, how to get a deal on that vehicle and reviews of the latest vehicles to hit the market. What better place than here, what better time than now?
Related: Which Dealerships Do It Right? Car Brands Ranked for Customer Service
What car should I buy? That depends on a lot of factors, and our reviews can help. Check out our recent additions:
Pickup trucks: GMC Sierra 1500 Duramax, GMC Sierra 2500 AT4, Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, Ford F-250 Super Duty FX4 Off-Road
SUVs: Volvo XC60, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Volvo XC90, Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, Lincoln Aviator, Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV, Mazda CX-9, Audi Q3, Cadillac XT6, BMW X4
Sedans: Nissan Versa, Kia Optima
Hatchback: Kia Soul
Hybrid: Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Wagons: Volvo V60 Cross Country, Subaru Outback
Electric: Nissan Leaf
Performance: Lexus RC F Track Edition, Lexus RC 300 F Sport
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.
