Expert Advice for Car Buying

All Articles on Car Buying

Is the Hyundai Tucson SEL Convenience Package Worth It?
The Hyundai Convenience package offers safety, convenience, and appearance upgrades—a good pick for buyers who value variety.
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Rebecca Wardell
Is the Toyota Tacoma Technology Package Worth It?
The Toyota Tacoma Technology package adds safety features that give you peace of mind on the road.
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Rebecca Wardell
Tips for First-Time BMW Buyers
BMW doesn’t have a special program for first-time buyers, but you can still find ways to save—if you know where to look.
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Bonnie Stinson
Is the Kia Carnival Seat Package Worth It?
The Kia Carnival Seat Package offers an extra seat, plus more flexibility and comfort in the seating options available.
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James Ellaby
All About the Hyundai First-Time Buyer Program
Whether you have no credit or simply haven’t financed a vehicle before, Hyundai’s first-time buyer program can help you get behind the wheel of your first new or pre-owned vehicle.
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Jacqulyn Graber
Is Car Insurance Cheaper if You Own the Car?
Your premiums won’t automatically lower once you own your car, but you’ll likely have the option to reduce your coverage, which results in lower premiums.
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Amber Reed
All About the Ford First-Time Buyer Program
Ford’s first-time buyers program is a great way for drivers with little to no credit history to purchase a new car—but it’s not available at all dealerships.
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Sarah Gray
Is the Toyota 4Runner Wilderness Package Worth It?
The name is a little misleading, but the Wilderness Package is definitely still worth adding to your Toyota 4Runner—learn more here!
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Drew Waterstreet
All About the Subaru First-Time Buyer Program
Subaru’s first-time buyer program is reserved for soon-to-be or recent college graduates. Click here to learn if you qualify!
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Drew Waterstreet
All About the Audi First-Time Buyer Program
Audi first-time buyer program, available at some dealerships, offers those with no credit history (but good existing credit) the chance to buy an Audi at preferential rates.
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Jason Tushinski
All About the Volkswagen First-Time Buyer Program
Volkswagen’s first-time buyer program, available at some dealerships, rewards recent college graduates with a small discount regardless of credit history.
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Pat Roache
Is the Ford STX Package Worth It?
With the 2023 Ford STX Appearance Package, you’ll get the advantage of exclusive, appearance-focused upgrades—and it doesn’t stop there.
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Kathryn Mae Kurlychek
All About the Nissan First-Time Buyer Program
Nissan offers both First Time Buyer and College Grad programs, but the requirements and availability vary by location.
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Amber Reed
All About the Kia First Time Buyer Program
Kia’s First Time Buyer program will allow you to drive a new or certified pre-owned Kia vehicle without prior credit history.
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Brittni Brinn
Is the Ford Ranger Off-Road Package Worth It?
From a suspension lift to all-terrain tires, Ford’s Tremor Off-Road Package adds more performance capability to an already capable Ranger—but is it worth it?
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Sarah Gray
Is the Ford Maverick Lariat Luxury Package Worth It?
The Ford Maverick Lariat Luxury Package offers a lengthy list of features that are both luxurious, and at the end of the day, still practical.
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Melanie Krieps Mergen
All About the Chevy First-Time Buyer Program
Chevrolet’s first-time buyer program, available at participating dealerships, can help new buyers save on their first vehicle purchase.
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Melanie Krieps Mergen
All About the Jeep First-Time Buyer Program
Jeep offers financing specials and car loans to first-time buyers with bad or no credit history.
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Melanie Johnson
All About the Toyota First-Time Buyer Program
Toyota’s first-time buyer program helps drivers without a long credit history get financing on a new Toyota vehicle—but you’ll have to meet the requirements first.
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Andrea Barrett
Is the Ford F-150 Black Appearance Package Worth It?
The F-150 Black Appearance package adds subtle black details to your truck for a more tough and rugged look.
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Katherine Duffy
Is the Hyundai Elantra SEL Premium Package Worth It?
The 2022 Hyundai Elantra SEL Premium package is priced at $2,100 and adds a number of comfort/quality-of-life upgrades—but is it actually worth it?
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Andrew Biro
Is the Hyundai Elantra Convenience Package Worth It?
The Hyundai Elantra Convenience Package adds some useful features that boost comfort and safety.
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Claire Beaney
Is the Chevy Silverado Z71 Package Worth It?
The Chevy Silverado Z71 Package gives your pickup serious off-roading grit. But are you better off with a different configuration or trim?
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Matt Terzi
Is the Chrysler Pacifica S Appearance Package Worth It?
The Chrysler Pacifica S Appearance Package rewards serious off-roaders with extra capability—but you might be better off opting for a higher trim instead.
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Melanie Krieps Mergen
Is the Ford Bronco Lux Package Worth It?
If you’re looking for a little luxury with your utility, the Ford Bronco’s Lux package may be just the thing—but it’s not available on all trims.
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Sarah Gray
Is the Ford Ranger Black Appearance Package Worth It?
The Ford Ranger Black Appearance Package brings jet black exterior touches and a rugged spray in bedliner for those days when the tough get going.
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Amber Reed
Is the Ford Maverick Off Road Package Worth It?
The Ford Maverick has two Off Road Packages—the one that’s right for you depends on how rough and tumble you want to get with your off road adventures.
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Amber Reed
Is the BMW X6 Dynamic Handling Package Worth It?
For $2,600, the BMW X6’s optional Dynamic Handling Package can make the x50i’s already smooth handling that much more precise. Here’s what it offers.
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Melanie Krieps Mergen
Is the Audi S8 Black Optic Package Worth It?
The Audi S8 Black Optic Package is purely aesthetic, but dang, that black badging looks sleek! Here’s what to expect from this package.
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Bonnie Stinson
Is the Hyundai Santa Cruz Activity Package Worth It?
The Hyundai Santa Cruz Activity package is optional on the SEL trim. Here’s how to decide whether it’s worth it for you.
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Rebecca Wardell

All Questions on Car Buying

Why are Alfa Romeos so cheap?
I just bought an Alfa Romeo and, I’ve got to say, it’s a nice car! But I can’t understand why such a nice ride would cost so little. What makes Alfa Romeos so cheap?
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Joshua Levy
Will applying for a car loan at a dealership hurt my credit score?
Is it true that applying for a car loan at a dealership hurts your credit score? I want to finance a car through the dealer, as they're offering a 1.9% APR promotional deal. However, I've heard that applying for financing through a dealership can hurt your credit.
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Eric Schad
Do experts recommend bundling home and auto insurance?
I'm a first-time home buyer and I will need a home insurance policy. My car insurance company offers home insurance, and I've heard it can be cheaper to bundle policies rather than get two separate ones. Should I bundle my policies?
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Emily Maracle
How do I put insurance on a car?
I know pretty much nothing about cars, or car ownership. How do I put insurance on a car?
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Nick Kunze
How do I use a pre-approved car loan?
The lender I'm thinking of using for my car loan says I can get pre-approved. However, I don't understand what that is or how it'll benefit me. How do I use a pre-approved car loan?
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Lauren Smith
How do you equip a car in Car Dealership Tycoon Roblox?
How do you spawn and drive a car in Roblox Car Dealership Tycoon? I just started playing and I can’t figure out how to get a car, but since they’re so important to the game I know there has to be a way for me to drive one.
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Liz Jenson
What year of TDIs should I avoid?
I’ve heard that Volkswagen's total direct injection cars are great low-maintenance cars, but that some years had major problems. If I were going to buy one, which years of TDIs should I be careful to avoid?
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Joshua Levy
How many months can a car loan be?
I’m not sure how many months my car loan will be. How long is a loan contract usually?
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Liz Jenson
Can I be denied for a car loan even after I’m preapproved?
I got preapproved for a car loan about a week ago, but since then, my credit dropped about 20 points due to a collection account I didn't know about. Can I still be denied a loan after preapproval?
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Eric Schad
How do you sell a car from out of state?
I’m selling my car online and a buyer contacted me with a too-good-to-be-true kind of deal. I’d love to accept it, but they live out of state. What do I need to do to sell a car to someone out of state?
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Joshua Levy
Can I get a car loan in my name for a car I want to give as a gift?
I want to give my wife a new car for her birthday. Can I take out a car loan in my name even if she’ll be the primary user?
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Eric Schad
How can I get a new car loan with bad credit?
What can I do to increase my chances of getting a car loan with bad credit? I work two part-time jobs, but I’m behind on bills. Because of this, my credit is bad. I want to buy a car to hopefully find a better job.
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Phoebe Mah
Nissan is from which country?
What country makes Nissans? I’ve heard that vehicles from some countries are better, so I’m trying to do my research before I buy a new car for my son next month.
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Liz Jenson
Does a dealer still need to run my credit if I got preapproval for a loan?
I got preapproval for a car loan from my credit union. When I went to the dealer, they insisted that I undergo a credit check before buying a car. Do I have to submit to this if I already have financing?
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Eric Schad
Can I take over my friend's car loan?
My friend can't pay for her car loan anymore due to some extenuating circumstances. Can I take over her loan? (I love her car, too.)
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Eric Schad
Should I buy an F150 with 100k miles?
I’m looking for a cheap used truck, and I’m having trouble finding something reliable that’s in good shape. I did find a nice Ford F150, but it has a lot of miles! Is it a good idea to buy an F150 with 100k miles?
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Joshua Levy
Can I get car insurance before I buy a car?
I'm currently saving up for a new Toyota, but I likely won't be able to buy it for another month or so. Even so, I want to be as prepared as I can be for its arrival. Is there any way I could get car insurance before I buy the car, so that I have it ready for when I do get the Toyota?
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Alexah Grinnell
What are the best luxury cars on the market?
"Every brand claims to offer the most superior cars, but which ones are for real? "
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Johnny Puckett
Can I have two open car loans?
My partner's car finally went kaput on us and I will have to take out another loan to get her a new one. Can I have two open car loans at the same time?
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Shannon Martin
Do car dealers raise the price of the vehicle when they offer 0% financing?
Do car dealers raise the price of the vehicle when they offer 0% financing? I've heard that 0% financing is great for buyers. However, I've also heard that dealers raise the price of the vehicle to offset the loss in income.
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Eric Schad
How do I choose the right beater when car shopping?
"I obviously want to save money by buying a beater, but I don’t want to be stuck with a hunk of junk, either. How do I pick the right car? "
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Eric Schad
Will Bank of America let me get two car loans at once?
I currently have a car loan at Bank of America, but my wife also wants to buy a new car. Can I get two car loans from the same bank?
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Eric Schad
What does it mean when your car loan matures?
I received a note in the mail that says my car loan matures in six months. This is my first-ever car loan, and I have no idea what this means. Could you explain it? What does it mean for your car loan to mature?
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Eric Schad
How is a cosigner responsible for a car loan?
My representative at the bank told me that I'd need a cosigner to get approved for my car loan. What does a cosigner do? Are they responsible for the loan itself?
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Eric Schad
Is it possible to get a car loan with no income on paper?
I want to get a car loan, but I currently work for straight cash. Can I still get a car loan if I don’t show any income on paper?
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Eric Schad
How do you negotiate a car loan interest rate?
What are some ways that I can negotiate a car loan interest rate? I’m preparing to buy a new car and I want to make sure that I get the best deal on the loan so I don’t get behind on my payments.
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Liz Jenson
Should I opt for car incentives and rebates or a lower interest rate?
"I'm shopping for a car and in quite a conundrum. My credit union has offered me a rate of 1.7% for 48 months. On the other hand, the dealer has offered $3,500 off the price of the car if I accept a 5.7% loan for 48 months. The amount I need to finance without the $3,500 off is $31,500. Should I go for the incentives or the lower interest rate?"
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Eric Schad
Can it be more difficult to finance a classic car than a regular car?
Is it more difficult to get financing for a classic car? I have already paid off my regular car loan. I am thinking of purchasing a 1989 BMW E24. I would need to finance it as I can't afford to pay for it all up front.
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Emily Maracle
How can I be approved for a car loan?
I need a car to drive my grandma to her doctor's appointments and work. I want to make sure I won't get denied when I apply. What’s the easiest way to get approved for a car loan?
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Lauren Smith
Can I transfer my car loan from an older car to a new one?
I'm trying to buy a new car, but I still have a loan out on my old one. Is there any way to transfer the remaining balance to the new car?
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Eric Schad

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