Clark Howard Buying A New Car -

Avoid saying you "love" the car or that your current vehicle is "on its last legs".

: 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 clark howard buying a new car

: 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 Avoid saying you "love" the car or that

: 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. What to Keep to Yourself : Do not

For money expert Clark Howard, buying a new car should be a transparent and honest transaction rather than a high-pressure negotiation . His core philosophy is to do your homework ahead of time to avoid common dealership pitfalls. Clark's Key Rules for Buying New

Do mention you have financing already lined up until the very end.