How to Buy a New Car: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid [Video]

Buying a new car is challenging. This is not surprising. A car is the second-most expensive purchase most people will ever make—after a home. And choosing the right car and the right place to buy it involves a myriad of factors, from selecting a brand and model that serves your needs and represents your self-concept to determining how much to pay and how to finance it.

During the pandemic, manufacturers and sellers were forced to make this process a bit more transparent, as consumers demanded that they be able to conduct much of the business from home and away from the traditionally obfuscating atmosphere of a car dealership. This has continued and it has been a boon for car shoppers.

In addition, because of supply chain issues that have continued to dog automakers—reducing inventory and increasing prices—many new tools have been developed to help consumers navigate the tight market. At the …