Prices & New Models
How Car Model Years Work and Why the Build Date Matters
A 2027 car can be built in early 2026. The model year sets resale value and most deals, while the build date can decide whether a recall applies.
Tag: car buying
Recalls & Safety
Can You Sell a Car With an Open Recall? What the Law Says
New cars and rental cars must be fixed first. Used cars often are not, so the VIN check falls to the buyer.
Dealers & Warranties
Dealer Doc Fees by State: Which States Cap Them and How Much
A documentation fee pays for paperwork and dealer profit. Here is which states limit it as of November 2026, and what to do where there is no cap.
Prices & New Models
Car Sales Tax by State: Rates, Trade-In Credit and Local Taxes
The tax on a car depends on where you register it, not where you buy it. Here is each state's rate as of November 2026 and how trade-ins change the bill.
Dealers & Warranties
Certified Pre-Owned Programs: Warranty, Age Limits and Inspections
Certification can add years of powertrain coverage to a used car, but terms vary widely by brand and tier. Here is how to read them.
Dealers & Warranties
Can You Return a Car After Buying It? Your Rights by State
Most car sales are final the moment you sign. A few state laws, the FTC Buyers Guide and the contract itself decide what you can still do.
Prices & New Models
Car Rebates and Incentives: How Cash, APR and Lease Deals Work
Manufacturer incentives can cut thousands from a new car, but each comes with rules on who qualifies and what it combines with. Here is how the main types work and how to compare them.
Loans & Insurance
Lease vs Buy a Car: How the Payment Works and Which Costs Less
A lease payment has two parts, and both can be checked. Buying wins over time for most drivers, while leasing suits people who swap cars every few years.
Prices & New Models
Dealer Market Adjustment and Forced Add-Ons: Your Rights
Markups above sticker are usually legal, but hidden fees and add-ons sold as mandatory can break federal and state law. What the rules say as of November 2026.
Prices & New Models
Best Time to Buy a Car: Month-End, Model-Year and Holiday Deals
Dealers and automakers chase monthly and yearly targets, and that schedule shapes when the best offers appear. Inventory matters even more than the calendar.