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car buying guidance
Buying a car is a big decision – AAA helps you make it with confidence. From research and financing to insurance and the road trips ahead, AAA brings everything you need into one trusted place. Our free guide helps you understand your options, avoid common pitfalls and make smart, confident decisions every step of the way.
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With AAA, you’ll have a variety of options to help you find the vehicle and buying experience that fits your needs and budget.
You’ll have access to explore financing designed to help you make informed, confident decisions.
See how insurance, fuel savings and repair support work together to protect your investment.
Whether this is your first car or your fifth, you’ll discover practical strategies that help you:
Before buying a car, set a realistic budget, identify the features you need, compare new, used and leased options, research pricing and reliability, check insurance costs, arrange financing and calculate the total cost of ownership. For a used vehicle, review its history and obtain an independent inspection.
Related AAA Connect article:
Car Buying 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Pricing, Financing and Leasing
To determine how much car you can afford, compare the down payment, monthly loan payment, loan term and interest rate with recurring costs such as insurance, fuel or charging, maintenance, registration and depreciation. Focus on the total purchase and ownership costs—not only the monthly payment.
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How Much Does It Cost to Own a Car?
Yes. Getting preapproved can show the loan amount and interest rate you may qualify for, help you set a firm budget and give you a financing offer to compare with the dealer’s terms. Review the annual percentage rate, loan length, fees and total amount repaid before choosing an offer.
Related AAA Connect article:
Smart Car Buying & Auto Financing Tips: How to Save Big
Before buying a used car, check the title and vehicle history report, mileage, maintenance records, recall status, tires, fluids, body condition and electronic features. Take a thorough test drive and hire a qualified mechanic to perform a pre-purchase inspection.
Related AAA Connect article:
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Used Car
The true cost of owning a car includes the purchase price or monthly payment plus depreciation, interest, insurance, fuel or electricity, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and parking. Comparing these costs over the expected ownership period gives a more accurate picture than the sticker price alone.
Related AAA Connect article:
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Car?
A new car may offer the latest safety technology, a full warranty and fewer immediate maintenance concerns, while a used car may cost less and depreciate more slowly. The better choice depends on your budget, mileage needs, preferred features and tolerance for repair risk.
Related AAA Connect article:
Car Buying 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Pricing, Financing and Leasing
Buying may be a better fit if you want to keep the vehicle, build equity and avoid mileage limits. Leasing may offer lower monthly payments and access to newer models, but it can include mileage restrictions, wear charges and no ownership at the end unless you purchase the vehicle.
Related AAA Connect article:
Car Buying 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Pricing, Financing and Leasing
Research the vehicle’s market value, compare several listings and request an itemized out-the-door price that includes taxes and fees. Negotiate the vehicle price separately from financing, trade-in value and add-ons so each part of the deal is easier to evaluate.
Related AAA Connect article:
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Ask about the out-the-door price, warranty coverage, financing terms, dealer fees, return policy and included features. For a used car, also ask about prior ownership, accidents, service records, title status and whether an independent inspection is allowed.
Related AAA Connect article:
Questions to Ask When Buying a Car: New and Used Car Buying Checklist
Before buying an EV, compare its real-world driving range with your daily and long-distance needs, identify nearby and at-home charging options, review charging speed and connector compatibility, check battery warranty coverage, obtain an insurance quote and estimate electricity and maintenance costs.
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Tips for Buying a Used Electric Vehicle
Choose an EV with enough range for your typical daily driving plus a practical buffer for weather, detours and battery aging. If you regularly take long trips, also consider fast-charging availability, charging speed and how much range the vehicle can add during a normal stop.
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Tips for Buying a Used Electric Vehicle
Check the battery’s state of health, remaining battery warranty, real-world range, charging performance, service history and recall status. Have a qualified technician run a battery diagnostic, confirm which charging equipment is included and take a test drive that reflects your normal driving conditions.
Related AAA Connect article:
Tips for Buying a Used Electric Vehicle
EVs can have lower fuel and routine maintenance costs because they use electricity and have fewer moving parts, but purchase price, insurance, depreciation, home-charging installation and local electricity rates affect the comparison. Calculate total ownership costs for the specific models you are considering.
Related AAA Connect article:
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