Auto Loans

A reconditioning fee is an added dealer charge you might find when buying a used car. It’s intended to cover any costs the dealer incurs to make sure a used car is showroom-ready, from mechanical inspections to detailing. Are reconditioning fees legal or negotiable? Reconditioning fees are legal, but that doesn’t mean you should pay…

Tires are a big part of the cost of owning a car, and the range of tire prices doesn’t make it easier to budget for them. The price of tires depends on several factors, including how they perform in certain weather conditions, how well they handle, and what type of terrain they can manage. Each…

You went in for an oil change. You left with an itemized bill as long as your arm. Costly services are a reality for many car owners, especially for those who have delayed maintenance. According to insurance marketplace SmartFinancial, the cost of car parts has jumped since early 2021. Many people don’t trust their mechanics…

You’ve probably heard the horror stories of crazy-high battery replacement costs for electric cars. Fears of battery failure, limited range and high purchase prices might make you wonder if buying a used EV is a smart decision. This answer is, it depends — it depends on the condition of the EV you choose and how…

A new car starter can cost $70 to $425, and installing it can cost you several hundred dollars to $1,000 or more. The final cost will depend on your car, where you buy the starter and how you install it. If you research and consider your choices, you can likely find an option that will…

The requirements for refinancing a car are similar to requirements for getting a car loan in the first place. Refinancing your car is really just replacing your current car loan with a new one, with a goal of lowering your interest rate, reducing your monthly payment or possibly paying off your loan sooner. Refinance lenders…

Car inspections are not only part of maintaining a car — in some states, they’re required for car registration. But they can also pop up when you’re looking to purchase a used car. How much you’ll pay out-of-pocket for an inspection depends on the type you need, the state in which you live and the…

Auto dealerships make a lot of money off financing. Mostly, they act as intermediaries to connect their customers with banks and credit unions, earning either a flat fee for each loan referral, a percentage of the loan amount, or a portion of the interest. Some loans make a dealer very little, $100 or even less,…

A market adjustment on a new car is simply added profit. The dealership believes demand for the vehicle supports a price higher than the manufacturer-suggested retail price on the government-mandated Monroney window sticker. The practice goes by several other names: Added dealer markup, or ADM. Added dealer profit, or ADP. Adjusted market value. You’ll find…

While the final bill depends on several factors, the national average cost to tow a car is around $100. But your bill might be higher if you’ve been in a collision, your car is stuck in mud or snow, or you drive an oversized vehicle. You might be able to save some money if you…

Given that Craigslist is one of the internet’s largest classified websites, it’s no surprise that it’s a popular platform for private-party car sales. Unfortunately, Craigslist can also be home to scams in the form of fake advertisements, bots posing as interested buyers, and other digital hustles. Be wary of giving your personal information to anybody…