Clark Howard Buying A New Car May 2026

: Do not negotiate based on monthly payments. Instead, focus strictly on the total "out-the-door" price, which includes all taxes and fees, to ensure you aren't overpaying.

For money expert Clark Howard, buying a new car should be a transparent and honest transaction rather than a high-pressure negotiation . His core philosophy is to do your homework ahead of time to avoid common dealership pitfalls. Clark's Key Rules for Buying New clark howard buying a new car

: Only buy new if you plan to keep the vehicle for at least 10 years. Because new cars depreciate so rapidly in the first few years, keeping them for a decade or more is the only way to make the math work in your favor. : Do not negotiate based on monthly payments