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New car buying guide

Last updated: April 2013

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SUVs
Small cars
Sedans
Minivans
Pickup trucks
Convertibles
Sports cars
Wagons

Whether you are looking for a fuel-efficient small car, a sporty convertible, or a family minivan, Consumer Reports can help guide you through the new car buying experience. We give you the essential information you need to choose, buy, finance, and maintain a new car.

If you are in the market for a used car, see our advice in the used car buying guide.

Featured

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Choosing a car

How much can you spend?
Narrow your vehicle type
Pick the right model
Car reliability
Fuel economy
Understanding safety ratings
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At the dealership

Plan your dealership visit
Perform an initial inspection
Does the car fit you?
The test drive
Car buying surprises
After the test drive
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Car pricing

How to negotiate effectively
Negotiating by phone or e-mail
Auto-pricing terms
No haggle prices
Pricing dos and don'ts
new_trading_the_trade_in

Trading in your car

The trade in
How to sell a used car
Maximizing curb appeal
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Car financing

Pros and cons of leasing
Buying vs. leasing basics
How to get the best loan
How to get the best lease
Guide to lease terms
new_closing_check_numbers

Closing the deal

Check the numbers
Closing fees
Watch for these sales pitches
new_after_sale_pick_up

After the sale

Car insurance advice & Ratings
Picking up the car
Common car-buying mistakes
How to maintain your car
   

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SUVs Ratings

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SUVs Buying Advice

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SUVs Features
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Small cars 87 rated down arrow

Small cars Ratings

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Small cars Buying Advice

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Small cars Features
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Sedans 113 rated down arrow

Sedans Ratings

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Sedans Buying Advice

Types of Sedans
Sedans Brands
Sedans Features
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Minivans 8 rated down arrow

Minivans Ratings

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Minivans Buying Advice

Types of Minivans
Minivans Brands
Minivans Features
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Pickup trucks 17 rated down arrow

Pickup trucks Ratings

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Pickup trucks Buying Advice

Types of Pickup trucks
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Pickup trucks Features
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Convertibles 16 rated down arrow

Convertibles Ratings

View and compare all Convertibles ratings.

Convertibles Buying Advice

Types of Convertibles
Convertibles Brands
Convertibles Features
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Sports cars 41 rated down arrow

Sports cars Ratings

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Sports cars Buying Advice

Types of Sports cars
Sports cars Brands
Sports cars Features
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Wagons 48 rated down arrow

Wagons Ratings

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Wagons Buying Advice

Types of Wagons
Wagons Brands
Wagons Features

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