Buying & Selling
Make smarter car deals
Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection Before Buying Any Used Car
$100-150 mechanic inspection reveals $1,000-5,000 in hidden problems before you buy.
Check the CarFax AND Do a Physical Inspection
CarFax catches accidents and title issues. Physical inspection catches what CarFax misses.
Never Buy a Car on Your First Visit — Always Walk Away
Walking away is the most powerful negotiation tool. The price always improves when you leave.
Get Pre-Approved for a Loan Before Going to the Dealership
Your bank or credit union rate is almost always better than the dealer's financing.
Buy Certified Pre-Owned for the Best Value
CPO cars: 1-3 years old, inspected, warrantied — 30-40% cheaper than new with 90% of the new-car experience.
Shop Insurance Before Buying to Know Your True Monthly Cost
Insurance on a sports car can be $300/month. Get a quote before you buy — it's part of the true cost.
Sell Your Car Privately for 20-30% More Than Trade-In
A dealer offers $12,000 trade-in for a car worth $16,000 to a private buyer. That's $4,000 you're losing.
Time Your Purchase: Buy at End of Month, Quarter, or Year
Salespeople have monthly quotas. Last day of month/quarter/year = maximum desperation to deal.
Use KBB and Edmunds to Know the True Market Value
Walking in knowing the fair price = impossible to overpay. KBB and Edmunds are your data weapons.
Consider Total Cost of Ownership, Not Just Sticker Price
A $25K car that costs $8K/year to own vs a $30K car that costs $5K/year — the pricier car is actually cheaper.
Don't Buy Extended Warranties from Dealers — They're 300% Markup
Dealer extended warranties cost $2,000-3,500. The same coverage from a third party is $800-1,200.
Check Your Car's Value Before Trading In
Dealers count on you not knowing your trade-in value. KBB puts the number in your hands.
Refinance Your Auto Loan If Rates Have Dropped
Refinancing from 7% to 4% on a $20,000 loan saves $1,800 over the remaining term.
Negotiate the 'Out the Door' Price — Not the Sticker Price
Always negotiate the TOTAL price including all fees. Dealers add $500-2,000 in hidden charges after you agree on sticker.