Clark Howard Buying A New Car -

: 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

: Perform major maintenance at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles to extend the car's lifespan and prevent expensive breakdowns. clark howard buying a new car

: Do not negotiate based on monthly payments. Instead, focus strictly on the total "out-the-door" price, which includes all taxes and fees, to ensure you aren't overpaying. : To keep your finances healthy, aim to

When talking to a salesperson, avoid revealing information that could weaken your leverage: : To keep your finances healthy