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5 Big Mistakes Spring Car Buyers Make, and How to Avoid Them
Whether or not April showers bring May flowers, your tax return could help you buy a car this spring. But before you start spending some serious green on a slick new ride, stop to smell the roses and do your due diligence. Check out these five mistakes spring car buyers make—and how you can avoid the sting of buyer’s remorse.
1. Accepting the First Trade-In Offer
Starting fresh often spurs spring car buyers to trade in their car at the same dealership where they purchase their new vehicle. Wrapping both deals into one makes getting into a new car more convenient, and many shoppers assume they’re getting a fair deal.
Always treat trading in your current vehicle as a separate transaction from purchasing your new car. That means shopping around for the best offer—even if it involves selling your car at a different dealership than where you make your new car purchase. This advice is especially true in the spring because it’s the best time of the entire year to get the most out of any vehicle you trade in.
2. Relying Solely on Dealership Financing
Convenience also drives spring car buyers to explore financing only with the dealership they’re purchasing from. Many assume that, similar to their trade-in, dealerships offer the “going rate” and that terms vary little among auto lenders.
In reality, the very opposite is often true: you may find better terms, depending on your credit score and finances. When you’ve settled on the car you want to purchase, reach out to several lenders (at least three, besides the dealership) to see what you qualify for. Negotiating your auto loan outside of the dealership could actually simplify the transaction, so what do you have to lose?
3. Overlooking Dealership Fees
Spring car buyers often focus on the vehicle price listed on a dealership’s website, overlooking additional fees commonly tacked on by dealers. Many of these dealer fees correspond to real costs—including taxes, titling, and registration—but several only surface once buyers begin their paperwork. Dealers use hidden or fake fees to increase their profits at the expense of unsuspecting buyers.
Before you even sit down to fill out paperwork, educate yourself about which dealer fees apply and which you can negotiate. Read the contract carefully to identify any hidden fees that increase the final price. Don’t be afraid to challenge these fees—and walk away from the deal altogether.
4. Focusing on Monthly Payment vs. the OTD Price
It’s common for spring car buyers to break down their overall car-buying budget into a monthly payment. The corresponding number helps them weed through their options to see what they can afford. Car salespeople also tend to focus on this number when locking in a sale.
Maintain your focus on the out-the-door (OTD) price to ensure you don’t overpay for your new car and risk being underwater on your loan. Your monthly payments will change based on how much you put down—a bargaining chip you should absolutely leverage if you have a sizable tax refund—and what loan terms you negotiate. Do the math before you get to the dealership so you know which numbers align with your overall and monthly budget.
5. Excluding Additional Car-Related Expenses from the Budget
Too many spring car buyers boil a new car purchase down to only the final price listed on the invoice. They often exclude additional expenses—such as annual registration, insurance, and maintenance—from their monthly budget. Even if they have enough funds to cover their monthly car payment, those extra expenses can quickly add up.
Cars are investments and require maintenance and general upkeep. While newer cars tend to require less costly maintenance than a vehicle that’s 10 years old or has 100,000+ miles on it, you still need room in your budget for oil changes and tire rotations. Quote out insurance premiums and how much it costs to own your select vehicle—and budget accordingly.
Shop and Spend Smarter With Expert Tools and Insights
Our latest car market update shows a mixed bag of opportunity for car buyers, depending—among many factors—on the brand and model year they choose. Yet, having cash to even the odds and key insights to guide your decision puts you at an advantage regardless of market conditions.
Spend your hard-earned refund wisely by partnering with a CarEdge Concierge to find the best car deal available. Share your search parameters, and our experts will do all the legwork for you. Start the conversation today to get behind the wheel with greater confidence in your purchase.
Best Hybrid Car and SUV Deals in February 2026
If you’re watching your finances closely this year, a hybrid vehicle can stretch your dollar further. In this buyer’s market, it’s a great time to snag low monthly payments as automakers wrestle with stagnant sales. With leases comprising over half the best hybrid deals in February, it’s clear that even the likes of Toyota and Lexus are looking for new ways to appeal to drivers.
However, our list of Presidents’ Day 2026 lease and purchase deals also includes a trio of zero-percent financing offers. Fans of select Hyundai, Subaru, and Kia models can enjoy slightly longer interest-free terms to save thousands.
Which of these February 2026 hybrid car and SUV deals will you take advantage of?
2026 Toyota Prius LE
Best Deal: Lease for $269/month for 39 months with $3,999 due at signing
EPA Fuel Economy: 57 city/56 highway/57 combined MPG
The second-lowest lease deal on our list lets you get behind the wheel of a brand-new Prius for less than $300 a month—but this offer is regional, so check to see if you qualify.
This offer expires March 2, 2026. See Toyota for offer details.
Explore Toyota Prius deals using CarEdge
2026 Toyota Sienna LE
Best Deal: Lease for $349/month for 39 months with $4,999 due at signing
EPA Fuel Economy: 36 city/36 highway/36 combined MPG
Toyota officially made the hybrid powertrain standard on the Sienna. Does this tempting lease offer mean minivans are actually making a comeback in 2026?
Offer ends March 2, 2026. See Toyota for offer details.
Explore Toyota Sienna deals using CarEdge
2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Best Deal: Lease for $229/month for 39 months with $3,999 due at signing
EPA Fuel Economy: 53 city/46 hwy/50 combined MPG
If leasing a car for the first time is on your list of 2026 goals, there’s no better deal this month than on the newest Corolla LE.
Get this offer before it expires on March 2, 2026. See Toyota for offer details.
Explore Toyota Corolla deals using CarEdge
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
Best Deal: 0% APR for 60 months, plus no payments for 90 days
EPA Fuel Economy: 37 city/36 highway/37 combined MPG
First introduced in 2021, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid holds its own among heavy-hitter brands that produce some of the most fuel-efficient SUVs available. Delay payments for three months with this limited-time 0% APR offer.
This offer expires March 2, 2026. See Hyundai for offer details.
Explore Hyundai Santa Fe deals using CarEdge
2026 Lexus NX Hybrid (350h Premium AWD)
Best Deal: Lease for $569/month for 42 months with $3,999 due at signing
EPA Fuel Economy: 41 city/37 highway/39 combined MPG
Lexus blends a potent mix of luxury, affordability, and savings with the NX Hybrid, specifically the 350h Premium AWD model. Note that current Lexus lessees can also waive their final payments when they upgrade to this incredibly popular compact luxury hybrid SUV.
Offer ends March 2, 2026. See Lexus for offer details.
Explore Lexus NX deals using CarEdge
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid
Best Deal: 0% APR for 75 months
EPA Fuel Economy: 35 city/34 highway/35 combined MPG
Just as the Subaru Forester has grown in size and fuel efficiency, so too have the terms on this 0% APR offer—a rare opportunity for fans of this brand.
This offer ends March 2, 2026. See Subaru for offer details.
Explore Subaru Forester deals using CarEdge
2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid
Best Deal: 0% APR for 60 months
EPA Fuel Economy: 36 city/36 highway/36 combined MPG
One of two 0% APR offers on outgoing 2025 models, this deal from Kia saves you from five years’ worth of interest on a model that’s grown significantly popular as of late.
Get this offer before it expires on March 2, 2026. See Kia for offer details.
Explore Kia Sorento deals using CarEdge
How to Save More Benjamins in 2026
Benjamin Franklin may not have become a president, but seeing his face on the $100 bills you’ll pocket with the seven best hybrid deals in February is priceless. But before you bank on these savings, make sure you check with your local dealerships to verify eligibility.
Want to maximize those savings without having to go back and forth with dealers on end? Let CarEdge Pro negotiate for you! Our experienced AI agent knows how to get you the best out-the-door deal.
10 Best Luxury SUV Deals in February: Audi, BMW, Lucid Priced to Sell
In the second—and shortest—month of the year, hot deals on luxury SUVs tend to be few and far between. Surprisingly, we’ve found many worth considering, especially if you’re expecting your tax refund to help with the down payment. It sure is looking more and more like a buyer’s market for luxury drivers!
As always, premium brands offer the best APRs and lease terms to well-qualified buyers. Many are also limited to ultra-low mileage leases, and offers may vary by region. Before heading to the dealership, verify your eligibility with the links we’ve shared.
If you’re on the hunt for a new ride, check out the 10 best luxury SUV deals in February below.
2026 Audi Q3 quattro
Best Deal in February: Lease for $579/month for 36 months with $4,899 due at signing
Audi unveiled a brand-new take on the steering wheel stalk with the 2026 Q3, and an exceptional lease offer to boot.
Offer expires March 2, 2026. See offer details.
2025 Audi Q5 quattro
Best Deal in February: 2.99% APR for 72 months
If you missed the best year-end car deals in late 2025, this could be your last chance to secure financing on an outgoing Q5 quattro.
This offer expires March 2, 2026. See offer details.
2026 BMW X3
Best Deal in February: 0.90% APR for 60 months
With a truly low-APR financing offer, the latest X3 is an enticing alternative to the 2026 Audi Q3, which has no current financing deals. Most reviewers agree that the X3 has a more luxurious vibe to it, which is great considering the price tag.
Offer expires March 2, 2026. See offer details.
2026 BMW X7
Best Deal in February: 1.99% APR for 60 months
If the word “Alpina” and the prospect of two-tone paint don’t excite you about the 2026 X7, this financing offer should. This is arguably the best luxury SUV deal in February.
Get this offer before it expires on March 2, 2026. See offer details.
2026 Cadillac OPTIQ
Best Deal in February: Lease for $349/month for 24 months with $4,849 due at signing, or 2.9% APR for 60 months
Cadillac will feature the F1 team in its Super Bowl LX commercial. Buyers can experience luxury at a more affordable price with these Conquest lease and purchase offers.
This offer expires on March 2, 2026. See offer details.
See Cadillac OPTIQ listings near you
2026 Lexus NX 350 AWD
Best Deal in February: Lease for $509/month for 42 months with $3,999 due at signing
Occupying the #2 spot in the top 10 fastest-selling SUVs in America right now, the Lexus NX benefits from one of the brand’s best deals. However, note the longer lease commitment compared to the standard 36-month lease term.
Offer expires on March 2, 2026. See offer details.
See Lexus NX listings near you
2025 Lincoln Corsair Premiere AWD
Best Deal in February: Zero-down lease or $499/month for 36 months with $499 due at signing
Why worry about six more weeks of winter when you can snag this zero-down lease from Lincoln, with only your first month’s payment due at signing?
Get this offer before it expires on March 31, 2026. See offer details.
See Lincoln Corsair listings near you
2025 Lincoln Nautilus Premiere AWD
Best Deal in February: Lease from $559/month for 36 months with $3,349 due at signing, or 0% APR for 48 months with $1,000 bonus cash
Have more space and enjoy it too with $1,000 in bonus cash or a competitive lease offer on the 2025 Nautilus Premiere AWD.
This offer expires on March 31, 2026. See offer details.
See Lincoln Nautilus listings near you
2026 Lucid Gravity Touring
Best Deal in February: Lease for $799/month for 39 months with $6,149 due at signing, or 1.99% APR for 72 months
Don’t miss this limited-time lease on the 800-horsepower, three-row electric luxury SUV that offers up to 450 miles of range. Note that the Lucid Gravity Advantage Credit (a $7,500 rebate that offsets eclipsed federal EV tax credits) requires choosing from existing inventory.
Offer expires February 12. See offer details.
2025 Volvo EX90
Best Deal in February: 0% APR for 72 months or cash allowance up to $7,500
One of three fully electric luxury SUVs on our list of the 10 best luxury deals in February 2026, the unassuming Volvo EX90 entices buyers away from Cadillac and Lucid with a generous cash allowance and financing offer.
Get this offer before it expires on March 2, 2026. See offer details.
See Volvo EX90 listings near you
Find a luxury SUV that fits your lifestyle
Selecting a premium sedan or SUV to suit your preferences requires a discerning eye. If you’re in the market for a new luxury vehicle, let a dedicated CarEdge Concierge coordinate every detail, from finding specific models that match your tastes to negotiating every aspect of your deal. It’s the closest thing to a white-glove service you’ll find this side of the F&I table.
How to Get the Best Car Deal in 2026: 5 Tips From the Pros
Imagine arriving back at the dealership as you complete the test drive on a vehicle you’ve been researching for weeks. As delighted as you are to confirm that it meets your requirements—on paper and in person—anticipation builds as you consider the next logical step: negotiations. When the salesperson asks, “How did it go? Are we ready to talk numbers?” beads of sweat start to form.
You don’t need an advanced degree in negotiating strategies to get the best deal on a car in 2026. We spoke to CarEdge co-founder and 43-year industry veteran Ray Shefska to find out how the car buying pros negotiate with confidence. Follow the steps below to guide the conversation toward the one number that will make or break the sale.
1. Focus On One Variable at a Time
There’s no doubt that several variables affect the car-buying process. All at the same time, you might be considering what monthly payment you can afford, how much down payment you can make, and whether to buy new or used. However, you can simplify the process by focusing on one thing at a time. In most cases, isolating these variables provides additional data to help you make a more informed final decision.
For example, focusing on your monthly car allowance gives you a dollar amount to keep in mind for expenses like your car payment, insurance, and maintenance. We recommend staying within the 10% rule to protect your overall finances. If you want a specific type of car—like a sedan or an SUV—you can narrow your options further. When you’re at the dealership, the most important variable you need to focus on is the out-the-door (OTD) price.
It’s ALWAYS best to focus on the out-the-door price before discussing any other number.
2. Negotiate the Out-the-Door (OTD) Price
It’s important to recognize that the OTD price on a vehicle is completely separate from the Monroney sticker price that’s typically displayed on the car’s window. Dealers will advertise the sticker price to attract potential buyers, but the final price you pay could be thousands of dollars more. The out-the-door price represents the amount you agree to pay for the vehicle plus all of the following fees (or more):
- Taxes
- Title
- Registration
- Document fees
- Dealer add-ons
- Accessories
By sticking to your guns and asking for the OTD price upfront, you’re signaling to the salesperson that you’re ready to talk numbers—but only based on the car’s value, not how much you can pay toward the vehicle’s final price every month. This shift in conversation works in your favor because you can determine whether you’re getting a fair price and what additional fees the dealership’s trying to sneak into your final deal.
Another key benefit of getting an OTD price in writing is that you can then take that offer to other dealers, and have them compete your for your business! But always get your OTD price in writing.
Before you shop, see the Out-the-Door Price with our FREE calculator.
3. Steer Clear of Conversations About Monthly Budget
Before we delve too far into this step, let’s make one thing clear: you should absolutely stay within your full budget when you’re looking to purchase a car. We recommend you use the 10% rule as a guide to avoid stretching yourself too thin financially. However, any discussions of a monthly budget fail to address the overall amount you’re paying for the car—the OTD price—which is the more important figure to focus on during negotiations.
Car deals can (and often will) use your monthly budget against you. In 2026, we’re seeing something that was once unthinkable: the rise of 84-month car loans, and sometimes even longer terms. The reason is simple: As car prices are pushed higher, it’s a lot easier to convince buyers that they can afford it if the monthly payment stays the same. They do this by extending the loan repayment period.
Why is this bad for drivers? Not only will you be paying more in interest with longer loan terms, you’re much more likely to end up in negative equity, meaning that you owe more than your car is worth. If you end up selling or trading-in your car, you’ll actually OWE money for it.
In simple terms, avoid discussing your monthly budget with any salesperson. Stay far away from loans longer than 72 months.
After all, monthly budgets can fluctuate according to how much you put down and what loan term lengths you negotiate. Avoid sharing concrete numbers because the less you say, the better. It’s okay to play hardball without being too hard about it, because you want to demonstrate that you’re willing to work with them if they’ll reciprocate.
4. Pay Cash, Finance, or Lease? Keep your options open
Whether you decide to pay in cash, obtain a loan, or opt for a lease, keep your options open. Insist on negotiating the out-the-door price first and then following up with how you’d like to proceed from there. If the salesperson mentions any current finance or lease incentives, they should be in addition to the OTD price as a bonus, not a reason to fold on negotiations and pay more.
When you know the out-the-door price, you can then focus on the next variable: whether paying in cash, financing a loan, or signing a lease best suits your financial situation. Remember, vehicles are not investments, but it’s worth the time it takes to seek out exceptional finance offers if you’re ready to pull the trigger. If you want to try out leasing instead, check out our guide to leasing and how to interpret your lease purchase agreement.
5. Treat Your Trade-In as a Separate Transaction
Convenience can actually cost you money at the car dealership. When you bundle the trade-in of your current vehicle with the purchase of your next one, you risk losing out on both ends. Any appraisals or purchase agreements for your trade-in should be handled separately, especially if you still owe money on your existing vehicle.
👉 Trade-In Tactics For Success — the complete guide!
Approach Your Next Car Purchase With Confidence
Admittedly, this tried-and-true process of getting a better deal on your next car purchase does take time and initiative. If you struggle with either or both, partner with a CarEdge Concierge to make car buying easy. Our experts handle every step of the process, from reaching out to dealerships and coordinating test drives to reviewing the paperwork and scheduling delivery for you.
5 Amazing Toyota Deals in January 2026: RAV4, Tundra, and More
Consistently among the fastest-selling car brands, this import automaker enters the first quarter of 2026 with a handful of can’t-miss lease and purchase deals. It’s worth pointing out that Toyota is already offering big incentives for brand-new 2026 models. Whether this is a sign of a slowing market or simply Toyota doing what it does best (aggressively taking market share) remains to be seen.
If you’ve casually been considering a new Toyota, these deals may not be groundbreaking enough to get you off the couch. But for those who want to negotiate during the last days of January (always the best time of the month to buy), game time is quickly approaching.
2025 Toyota Tundra
Best Deal: 0% APR for 60 months
Situated among the best popular pickups available, the Toyota Tundra holds its own against domestic giants like Ford, Chevy, and RAM. No interest for five years on the outgoing Tundra model means you stand less of a chance of being underwater on your loan. That’s always a plus in today’s volatile car market.
Note that just 1,600 of the 25,000 Tundras on sale nationwide are 2025 models, so this offer will vanish soon.
This offer expires February 2, 2026. See Toyota for more details.
Explore Toyota Tundra deals using local market data
2026 Toyota Corolla SE
Best Deal: $209/month for 39 months with $3,999 down
Although the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” fits the Toyota brand in general, it’s probably most applicable to the Corolla nameplate, which has been around longer than today’s Gen Z drivers have been alive.
Offer ends February 2, 2026. See Toyota for more details.
Explore Toyota Corolla deals using local market data
2025 Toyota Tacoma
Best Deal: 3.99% APR for 72 months
Having already surpassed the Nissan Frontier as one of the leading smaller pickups, the Tacoma ranks third for best value—coincidentally, behind the GR86 and the Corolla Hatchback, two other Toyota models.
Get this offer before it ends on February 2, 2026. See Toyota for more details.
Explore Toyota Tacoma deals using local market data
2026 Toyota RAV4
Best Deal: 5.99% APR for 72 months
All-new for 2026, the RAV4 is now more capable and feature-packed than ever before. Better yet, the price barely budged, even with several upgrades.
The fastest- and slowest-selling SUVs in January 2026 showcased the RAV4 as king, but you’ll find several other Toyota models among the top 10 as well. Toyota sold nearly 480,000 RAV4s in 2025.
This offer expires February 2, 2026. See Toyota for more details.
Explore Toyota RAV4 deals using local market data
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross L
Best Deal: $259/month for 39 months with $3,999 down
Compact SUVs have been edging out four-door sedans for a few years now, and the Corolla Cross is one of Toyota’s newest models on the scene. It also costs less than $5,900 to maintain over the first decade of ownership—among the most affordable crossovers to maintain, period.
Get this offer before it expires on February 2, 2026. See Toyota for more details.
Explore Toyota Corolla Cross deals using local market data
How Honda Deals Compare in January
We ranked Toyota first among brands with the best resale value after five years, but its long-standing rival, Honda, is only a few spots behind. Competition pits the Honda CR-V against the Toyota RAV4 in the SUV arena, but the big “H” leaves CR-V fans wanting with little in the way of compelling incentives. Select markets offer 3.99% APR financing for 60 months on the 2026 CR-V, but remember that the RAV4 is all-new for 2026, making the now-outdated CR-V a tough sell without better incentives.
In January, most buyers cross-shopping the two rivals will go for Toyota’s offers.
Why It Pays to Do Your Homework in 2026
Although we’ve officially closed the books on 2025, the automotive industry continues to shift in response to evolving hot-button issues, from trade-related tariffs to the future of electric vehicles. Staying current with everything can prove exhausting, but with CarEdge Pro, you gain access to insider data and an AI agent that negotiates on your behalf.
At CarEdge, we’re simply here to make buying a car more transparent, fair, and less stressful. Here’s how we can help.
