Clark Howard Buying A New Car -

When talking to a salesperson, avoid revealing information that could weaken your leverage:

: Do not negotiate based on monthly payments. Instead, focus strictly on the total "out-the-door" price, which includes all taxes and fees, to ensure you aren't overpaying. clark howard buying a new car

Do mention you have financing already lined up until the very end. When talking to a salesperson, avoid revealing information

: To keep your finances healthy, aim to put 20% down, limit the loan term to 48 months (4 years), and ensure total vehicle expenses stay under 10% of your monthly income. What to Keep to Yourself : To keep your finances healthy, aim to

: If your car is over 150,000 miles and annual repairs exceed $3,000, it's generally time to trade it in for more predictable costs. Are you considering a specific make or model , or Report: The Average Price of a New Vehicle - Clark Howard