Clark Howard Buying A New Car May 2026

For money expert Clark Howard, buying a new car should be a transparent and honest transaction rather than a high-pressure negotiation . His core philosophy is to do your homework ahead of time to avoid common dealership pitfalls. Clark's Key Rules for Buying New

: Always line up your financing through a credit union or bank before you ever step onto a dealer's lot. This prevents the dealer from using "monthly payment talk" to hide the true cost of the loan. 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. For money expert Clark Howard, buying a new

: Perform major maintenance at 30,000, 60,000, and 90,000 miles to extend the car's lifespan and prevent expensive breakdowns. This prevents the dealer from using "monthly payment