The Ridekick Car Buying Guide

Figure out what to buy first: new or used, when to buy, and what fits your life.

• Best Time to Buy a CarThe best time to buy is when three things line up. The car you want has stock. Real incentives are active. And a dealer will quote a strong out-the-door pr...
• First-Time Car Buyer ChecklistSet your budget, line up a loan, and pick the exact car. Then ask for the written out-the-door price. Check the fees and extras, test drive the car, and re...

Learn the real total price, spot extra fees and add-ons, and compare written quotes.

• What Is the Out-the-Door Price on a Car?The out-the-door price (OTD price) is the real total you pay for the car. Compare this number across dealers, not the advertised price. A low online price...
• How to Ask a Dealer for the Out-the-Door PriceSend the dealer the VIN or stock number, your ZIP code, and a clear ask: the full out-the-door price in writing. Ask them to list every charge. That means...
• Dealer Fees Explained: Which Fees Are Negotiable?You cannot talk down taxes, title, or registration. Those go to the state. You often can remove or shrink the fees the dealer controls. That covers prep fe...

Set a budget, compare loan options, and keep the trade-in separate from the car price.

• Buying a Car With Bad CreditSet a conservative budget. Get preapproved if you can. Compare credit unions and banks before dealer financing. Do not shop by monthly payment alone. And p...
• Car Loan Length: 48 vs. 60 vs. 72 vs. 84 MonthsFirst set a realistic out-the-door price. Then choose the shortest loan you can comfortably afford. A 48- or 60-month loan usually costs less in interest....

History reports, inspections, mileage, titles, and the questions that catch problems early.

• Used Car Buying ChecklistBefore you buy a used car, check the VIN and the title. Read the history report. Get the out-the-door price in writing. Pay a mechanic to inspect the car....

Insurance, registration, paperwork, and your first weeks with the car.

• Do You Need Insurance Before Buying a Car?You usually need active car insurance before you drive away. A dealer or lender may ask for proof before they hand you the keys. Buying from a person? Set...
• How to Register a Car After Buying ItTo register a car after buying it, gather the title or the dealer's paperwork, the bill of sale, the odometer statement, proof of insurance, and your ID. A...