Clark Howard Buying A New Car -
: If your car is over 150,000 miles and annual repairs exceed $3,000, it's generally time to trade it in for more predictable costs. Are you considering a specific make or model , or Report: The Average Price of a New Vehicle - Clark Howard
: To keep your finances healthy, aim to put 20% down, limit the loan term to 48 months (4 years), and ensure total vehicle expenses stay under 10% of your monthly income. What to Keep to Yourself clark howard buying a new car
: Only buy new if you plan to keep the vehicle for at least 10 years. Because new cars depreciate so rapidly in the first few years, keeping them for a decade or more is the only way to make the math work in your favor. : If your car is over 150,000 miles
When talking to a salesperson, avoid revealing information that could weaken your leverage: Because new cars depreciate so rapidly in the
For money expert Clark Howard, buying a new car should be a transparent and honest transaction rather than a high-pressure negotiation . His core philosophy is to do your homework ahead of time to avoid common dealership pitfalls. Clark's Key Rules for Buying New
Avoid saying you "love" the car or that your current vehicle is "on its last legs".
: Perform major maintenance at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles to extend the car's lifespan and prevent expensive breakdowns.