These books focus on the "games" played at dealerships and how to bypass them.
: Written by Brian Munroe, this book claims to break the "code of silence" in the car business. It outlines strategies for buying a car over the phone and minimizing time spent in the dealership to avoid pressure tactics.
: While primarily known for its valuation tool, its guides are essential for determining fair market value. Note that KBB values are often higher than what a dealer might offer for a trade-in, making them better for private-party sales. Negotiation and Insider Strategy car buying books
If your goal is to ensure you aren't buying a "lemon," these guides written by experts and mechanics are highly recommended. Consumer Reports Bookstore
Car buying books generally fall into three categories: for reliability and pricing, strategy-based books written by industry insiders to master negotiation, and mechanic-authored manuals for inspecting used vehicles. Top Data and Reliability Guides These books focus on the "games" played at
: This is another comprehensive annual guide focused on safety, fuel economy, and maintenance costs. It is designed to help consumers compare technical specifications across different brands and models quickly.
: Widely regarded as the definitive authority. It provides exhaustive reliability histories based on millions of owner surveys, safety data, and crash-test results. Reviewers from Thriftbooks often cite it as the only guide they trust because it is not influenced by manufacturer advertising. : While primarily known for its valuation tool,
These books are updated annually and are considered the industry standard for unbiased research.