Clark Howard Buying A New Car May 2026

Don't mention paying in cash too early, as dealers often make more profit on financing and may be less willing to negotiate the sale price if they know they won't get that kickback. Maintenance & Longevity

: 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 clark howard buying a new car

: 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 Don't mention paying in cash too early, as

: Perform major maintenance at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles to extend the car's lifespan and prevent expensive breakdowns. Are you considering a specific make or model