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How to negotiate the price of a car: Tips from an ex-car salesman

If you want to beat car dealerships at their own game, you need to first understand the true market value of what you’re buying and trading in. You should also get quotes via phone or email before you physically go into the dealership, and then skip all the extras they’ll push you to buy.

How much should you spend on a car?

Getting your first “adult” car in your 20s can be exciting, which is why it’s so easy to get carried away. However, the purchase price shouldn’t exceed 35% of your monthly income.

Auto Loan Calculator

Use our auto loan calculator to determine your monthly payment and the total cost of financing a car purchase (including the total interest paid).

Does financing a car build credit?

Financing a car doesn’t automatically increase your credit score. However, it does diversify your credit mix and give you the opportunity to build up your credit history — two factors that can definitely increase your score.