In today's market, deciding whether to buy a new or used car can be difficult. While used cars have traditionally been more cost-effective, this isn't always the case!

Now that you've started to narrow down your choices, you should do some more research to better understand your options.

To make an informed decision, consider the total cost of ownership, not just the purchase price. Check out CarEdge's data to help you understand all the associated costs.

As you browse, you'll find a large variety of vehicles and prices. Check out the resources on the right to save time and money:

Nice work, you've made it through the first stages of finding your new car! Now it's time to learn more about the buying process. You'll be prepared to strike a deal when the right car comes along.

We'll start by learning some of the key terms you should get familiar with as you learn how dealerships work.

If you've found a few specific cars you're interested in, you can start to connect with the dealerships where they're located.

One of the worst things you can do when buying a car is to blindly contact the dealer! Be very specific with what you need, with no fluff. Establish control of this transaction from day one by getting everything in email.

You absolutely need to test drive the car you might buy! Don’t just drive it around the block, insist on taking it on a 15-20 minute drive through highways, city streets and any other driving conditions possible. Test everything, from windows to brake lights, and everything in between.

As we like to say here at CarEdge, “applied knowledge is power!” and we are here to help you get the best deal you can.

Whether we're coaching you to do it yourself, or you're working with one of our concierges, we're here to support you every step of the way!

When looking at protection plans (such as extended warranties, tire protection, paint, etc.), remember that many products can be bought outside of the dealership- you can shop around! Check out CarEdge's protection plans to get a quote before going to the dealership.

Congratulations on successfully completing your car deal! Now it's time to think about how to maintain your car throughout its life.

Extended warranty products ensure you and your car stay safe while on the road and cover unexpected events long after the manufacturer's warranty ends.