Your First Car
A car payment is rarely the whole cost. Insurance, fuel, maintenance, registration, and the interest rate on a loan can turn a “cheap” car into a second rent bill.
These pages help you compare total monthly cost, spot common dealer traps, and decide whether you need a car at all right now.
-
The True Cost of Your First Car
Payment versus ownership: insurance, fuel, maintenance, registration, and dealer add-ons to price before you buy or sign a loan.
-
What Does "As Is" Mean When You Buy a Used Car?
What an "as is" used car sale means, how to read the FTC Buyers Guide on the window, and how to get a dealer's spoken promises into writing before you sign.
-
Do I Need Gap Insurance on My First Car?
What gap insurance covers, why it is optional on a car loan, when owing more than the car is worth makes it worth a look, and how to cancel it for a refund.