Navigating the Car Maze
Set Needs & Budget
Research, Plan, & Buy
Decide New vs. Used
Sort out and define your needs and wants, make a priority list, and create a budget that shows the true cost of ownership
.jpeg/:/cr=t:0%25,l:12%25,w:76%25,h:100%25/rs=w:365,h:274.4360902255639,cg:true)
Decide New vs. Used
Research, Plan, & Buy
Decide New vs. Used
Explore the pros and cons of buying a new vs. used car and get advice and a variety of tools to organize your shopping
Research, Plan, & Buy
Research, Plan, & Buy
Research, Plan, & Buy
An extensive, curated set of car websites and free forms that will save many hours and help get you to the right decisions quickly
Explore the Chapters
Introduction
Set your Budget
Set your Needs
Car buying can be stressful and confusing, and can leave you feeling like you just went a few rounds with a glitter-bombing salesperson. But don't worry! This guide is here to help.
Set your Needs
Set your Budget
Set your Needs
Ah, the wild world of car buying, where you embark on a journey filled with more
choices than a kid in a candy store. It's like trying to pick the perfect ice cream flavor—except the stakes are higher, and you can't just lick-test every option.
Set your Budget
Set your Budget
Consider New vs. Used
Welcome to the exhilarating world of budgeting—where dreams of Lamborghinis clash with the harsh reality of ramen noodle dinners. Step one: figure out how much cash you've got stuffed under your mattress (or, you know, in your bank account if you're fancy like that).
Consider New vs. Used
Used Car Buying Checklists
Consider New vs. Used
The age-old conundrum: should you go for the shiny new wheels or roll the dice with a pre-loved chariot? It's like choosing between a gourmet feast and a mystery meat buffet—you never know what you're going to get, but one will definitely cost you more.
New Car Buying Checklists
Used Car Buying Checklists
Used Car Buying Checklists
Now get ready for the exhilarating thrill ride of car shopping! Buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey that's part treasure hunt, part rollercoaster, and all-around adventure.
Used Car Buying Checklists
Used Car Buying Checklists
Used Car Buying Checklists
Ditch the new car smell (because let's be real, it smells like plastic anyway) and step into the thrilling yet comforting world of pre-loved rides! New cars? They lose value faster than your phone battery on Pokémon Go. But used cars?
Making the Deal
Website Directory
Making the Deal
After deciding on a few makes and models by completing the Set Your Needs and Monthly Budget worksheets, reading the New/Used Car Buying chapters, and completing Deal Tracker worksheets, you have several options for finding the deal that suits you best.
Selling a Car
Website Directory
Making the Deal
First get an idea of what the car is worth in your current market from several of the sources below. They only provide estimates, and actual selling prices may vary depending on factors like availability and prices for current similar listings, market conditions, and vehicle condition.
Website Directory
Website Directory
Website Directory
A wide range of curated websites, ranging from research, buying, and selling sites to private party buying/selling, auction sites, classic and collector cars, and regulatory and consumer information and advocacy resources.
Appendices
Appendices
Website Directory
A variety of more detailed information on the topics cover in the guide, including power and drive types, private party sales, add-on products, checklists and worksheets, and a sample dealer letter.