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Want to Buy a Car This Weekend? Read This First

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So you’ve decided to make one small step for your family and one giant leap for your future automotive existence by purchasing a new car this weekend. It’s not exactly Apollo 11, but it’s definitely going to make your day-to-day life easier. Great! Now what? Well, we’re here to answer that with a list of links below that’s designed not only to guide you toward the right land rover, but also to help you get the best deal for it. Before you hit the dealerships this weekend, get a crash course in the car-buying process below.

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: Ford F-250 Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford Ranger, Jeep Gladiator
SUVs: BMW X4, Ford Explorer ST, Ford Explorer, Jeep Renegade, Maserati Levante, BMW X7, Nissan Murano
Sedans: Kia Optima, Kia K900, Audi A8 L
Hatchback: Kia Soul
Hybrid: Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Electric: Nissan Leaf
Performance:
Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

Which cars have the best deals right now? Check out our top deals for July. 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.

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.

Chief Copy Editor
Patrick Masterson

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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