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New car buying guide

Last updated: February 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
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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
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Closing the deal

Check the numbers
Closing fees
Watch for these sales pitches
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After the sale

Guide to car insurance
Picking up the car
Common car-buying mistakes
How to maintain your car
   

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SUVs

SUVs Ratings

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SUVs Buying Advice

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SUVs Features
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Small cars

Small cars Ratings

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Small cars Buying Advice

Types of Small cars
Small cars Brands
Small cars Features
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Sedans

Sedans Ratings

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Sedans Buying Advice

Types of Sedans
Sedans Brands
Sedans Features
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Minivans

Minivans Ratings

View and compare all Minivans ratings.

Minivans Buying Advice

Types of Minivans
Minivans Brands
Minivans Features
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Pickup trucks

Pickup trucks Ratings

View and compare all Pickup trucks ratings.

Pickup trucks Buying Advice

Types of Pickup trucks
Pickup trucks Brands
Pickup trucks Features
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Convertibles

Convertibles Ratings

View and compare all Convertibles ratings.

Convertibles Buying Advice

Types of Convertibles
Convertibles Brands
Convertibles Features
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Sports cars

Sports cars Ratings

View and compare all Sports cars ratings.

Sports cars Buying Advice

Types of Sports cars
Sports cars Brands
Sports cars Features
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Wagons

Wagons Ratings

View and compare all Wagons ratings.

Wagons Buying Advice

Types of Wagons
Wagons Brands
Wagons Features

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