Car buyer guides

Short, sourced answers to the questions buyers ask most before they sign.

• New vs used car: which should you buy?: New cars lose value fastest in the first years. Sourced numbers on depreciation, prices and loan rates to decide new vs used.
• Which cars hold their value best?: The cars with the lowest 5-year depreciation in 2026, from iSeeCars' study of 950,000+ cars. Trucks and Toyotas lead; EVs lose most.
• When is the best time to buy a car?: Edmunds data: October and November are best for used cars; December has the biggest discounts on new. Plus end-of-month tips.
• How much should you pay for a used car?: Average used prices, APRs and payments from Cox Automotive, Edmunds and Experian, plus how to judge a fair out-the-door price.
• Is a certified pre-owned car worth the extra cost?: Edmunds data: a 3-year-old CPO car costs about 4.3% more than a regular used one. What the premium buys and when it is worth paying.
• Should you get pre-approved for a car loan before visiting the dealer?: The CFPB says shop lenders before the dealer: rate checks within 14 to 45 days count as one inquiry, and dealers can mark up your rate.
• Dealer doc fees by state
• Out-the-door price calculator