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How To Buy A Car (Without Being Taken For A Ride)

New cars these days have better safety features and more tech gizmos than models from a decade ago. And let’s face it: Trading in a beat-up clunker with grimy seats is an enticing idea.

But many Americans make big mistakes buying cars. Take new car purchases with a trade-in. A third of buyers roll over an average of $5,000 in debt from their last car into their new loan. They’re paying for a car they don’t drive anymore. Ouch! That is not a winning personal finance strategy.

But don’t worry — NPR’s Life Kit is here to help. Here’s how to buy a car without getting over your head in debt or paying more than you have to.

Image Credit: Jan Stromme/Jan Stromme/The Image Bank/Getty Images Plus