Get a Great Deal on a New Car Right Now with These 10 Things We Learned in the Pandemic

Me And The Jeep Gladiator.
I'm not buying a new car next year - at least I don't plan to - but if I were, here's my list of must-haves. Credit: Jill Robbins

If tariffs, rising inflation and ongoing shortages have you nervous about buying a new car, a used car or concerned about expensive car repairs, you’re not alone. But there’s a silver lining: During the pandemic we learned new and better ways of buying a car, selling a car and getting a car repaired. Even without the pressure of tariffs and price increases, these are great strategies to use any time.

This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.

Before You Shop, Shore Up Your Finances and Credit Score

Credit Score Great Deal New Car
Credit: Canva

Line Up Your Financing

New Car Financing Great Deal New Car
Credit: Canva

Accurately Assess Your Trade-in

Do Car Dealerships Make Money On Your Trade In
Credit: Creative Commons

Negotiate Your Purchase and Trade In Separately

Cata Uso Troops Bbq Chicagoland Illinois Fundraising Event Upside Down Car Loan
Credit: CATA

Then: The Shopping. Figure Out What You Really Want and Need

2019 New York Auto Show
Credit: NeonHue

Shop Around, and Not Just Around Town

Used Car Buying
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Look For Extras That Sweeten the Deal

A Girls Guide To Cars Buying Cars During The Coronavirus Pandemic2
Credit: Ram Trucks

Buy a New Car On Line

Carvana Great Deal On A New Car
Credit: Carvana

Buy Out Your Current Lease

The 2025 Volvo Xc90
Credit: Scotty Reiss

Is Your Current Car Worth Repairing?

2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid For Our Indiana Road Trip
Credit: Karen Heffren

Get a Second Opinion

Celebrating My Dad, The Mechanic
Credit: Gene Miles

New or Used? How to Tell

Used Car Sales Carmax Best Time To Buy A Car
Credit: CarMax
Journalist, entrepreneur and mom. Expertise includes new cars, family cars, 3-row SUVs, child passenger car seats and automotive careers ... More about Scotty Reiss
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