Don't just look at the sticker price; calculate your .

: For used cars, expect an average of $900/year in repair costs once the vehicle is over five years old. 2. Secure "Outside" Financing

In 2017, data was readily available to ensure you didn't overpay. 3 Car Buying Tips That'll Save You Thousands

: Check with your local bank or credit union before visiting a dealer. This gives you a baseline to see if dealer financing is actually a "deal" or just a high-commission product.

: Total monthly vehicle expenses (payment, insurance, fuel, and maintenance) should stay below 15-20% of your monthly income.