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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… […]
What Is a Reconditioning Fee on a Used Car? Read More »
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…
How Much Are Tires? Read More »
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…
Why Your $50 Oil Change Just Cost $500 Read More »
Don’t expect car prices to drop significantly anytime soon. Instead, new-vehicle prices — already at record highs — will remain elevated, automotive experts say. At the same time, used-vehicle pricing should moderate as the Federal Reserve continues raising interest rates to curb inflation. Analysts are closely tracking vehicle demand, with consumer sentiment low amid signs…
When Will the Car Market Return to Normal? Read More »
When it comes to the cost of car batteries, electric vehicles take the trophy for the most expensive type. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, a battery can run you between $4,000 and $20,000. If you own your electric vehicle long enough to need to replace the battery, this maintenance will be…
How Much Do Electric Car Batteries Cost? Read More »
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…
Is a Used Electric Vehicle a Bargain or a Trap? Read More »
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…
How Much Does a Car Starter Cost? Read More »
Amid a pandemic, limited inventory and skyrocketing car prices, the U.S. carbuying experience has seen some major changes over the past two years. To illustrate the trends in 2022 so far, Experian looked at the changes in the number of auto loans held by U.S. consumers. Americans held a total of 80.2 million auto loans
Idaho, the Carolinas Lead the Country With Biggest Increase in Car Loans Read More »
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…
What Are the Requirements to Refinance a Car Loan? Read More »
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…
How Much Does a Car Inspection Cost? Read More »
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,…
Do Car Dealers Make Money Off Financing? Read More »
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…
What Is a Market Adjustment on a Car? Read More »
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…
How Much Does It Cost to Tow a Car? Read More »
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…
Craigslist: Buy or Sell a Car Read More »
Title jumping is when someone purchases a car and then resells it without having titled it in their own name. Also known as floating a title, the practice is illegal. A title is a record of the vehicle’s ownership history kept by the state. Title jumping leaves no trace of the previous owner, leaving the…
Title Jumping: What It Is and How to Fix It for Your Car Read More »
Before you take out an auto loan, it’s important to fully understand what you’re getting yourself into. Depending on where you live and the situation, there may be some hidden costs to watch out for. Take a moment to learn about these costs you may incur and take steps to minimize them or avoid them
6 Hidden Costs of Getting an Auto Loan Read More »
TrueCar offers a treasure trove of information for car shoppers, from extensive rankings and detailed vehicle reviews to helpful pricing analyses. The app stands out with its “best of” lists that allow buyers to look for everything from the roomiest cars for tall people to the best supercharged and turbocharged cars. TrueCar also tells you…
TrueCar App Review: Find a Car Read More »
It’s time for your teen to buy a car. You’ll want to set some ground rules. The last thing you want is to put your child into the driver’s seat of the wrong car. The best way to avoid disagreements is to set clear expectations and boundaries with your teen before the car browsing begins….
When Your Kid Wants to Buy a Car, Don’t Take a Back Seat Read More »
Have your eyes on a new set of wheels? As of January 2022, the average price of a new car topped $46,000. An auto loan can help you cover some or all of the cost of your next vehicle. When shopping around for a car loan that fits your financial situation, you’ll have to decide
Short-term vs. Long-term Car Loans: What You Need to Know Read More »
Private-party auto loans help you pay for a car you buy from an individual, such as a family member or on Craigslist. When you purchase a car from a private seller, you won’t have a car dealership finance department to set up financing. You can find private-party auto loans at banks, credit unions and online…
What Is a Private Party Auto Loan? Read More »