How to Tell if the Car You Want Was Built in the US
To find out if the car you want is made in the USA, decipher the VIN, check the door jamb sticker, search online and remember that American car companies can have assembly plants outside of the US.
Car shopping
Should You Buy an Electric Car or a Plug-in Hybrid?
Buying a PHEV versus an EV boils down to your budget and your lifestyle preferences. We’ve broken down the pros and cons of each here.
Buying a Used Car: Can You Get Service Records from a Dealer?
Buying a used car? Learn when maintenance records matter, how to request them from dealerships, why privacy can limit access, and why a mechanic’s inspection still matters.
Classic Cars: Tips for Buying and Owning
Buy and own a classic car with confidence—learn what qualifies as “classic,” how to shop smart, avoid common pitfalls, and plan for insurance and maintenance costs.
How Do You Know a Car’s In-Service Date?
A car’s in-service date is its original sale date — and it determines when factory and many CPO warranties and perks begin and expire.
Leasing a Car: What Type of Damage Will You Be Charged For?
Avoid surprise lease-end fees: understand normal wear vs. excessive damage, fix dents, scratches, glass, and tires early, get a pre-inspection, clean the car, and report accidents promptly.
Are Taxes and Fees Included in Car Financing?
Finance charges often include taxes and dealer fees, but private sales usually don’t. Learn common dealer fees, when taxes aren’t rolled into loans, and how leasing handles taxes.
What Is a Doc Fee When Buying a Car?
A doc fee is a fee charged by car dealerships for processing a vehicle’s paperwork. This fee covers processing for the employees who deal with titles, registrations, license plates, and the DMV or revenue department.
Do You Need to Service Your Car at the Dealership to Keep Your Warranty Valid?
By law, you don’t have to service your car at the dealership to keep your warranty valid. Learn what maintenance matters, how to document it, and when poor repairs could affect coverage.
Don’t Skip These 8 Safety Features on Your Next Car
Shop smarter without sacrificing safety. Here are 8 must-have car safety features to prioritize when buying a new or used vehicle on a budget.