The car buying guide, financing first
Eight chapters in the order you meet them, from getting a rate before you shop to reading the contract before you sign.
Buying guide chapters
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Chapter 1, updated Oct 26, 2026
Get preapproved
Prequalification vs preapproval, how rate shopping affects your credit, and how to use an offer.
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Chapter 2, updated Oct 26, 2026
Choose a loan term
What 36 to 84 months does to your payment, total interest and equity, with a worked example.
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Chapter 3, updated Oct 26, 2026
Down payment
Why cash down lowers your LTV, payment and interest, and how a trade-in counts toward it.
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Chapter 4, updated Oct 26, 2026
Understand APR
APR vs interest rate, the finance charge on your contract, and how a dealer markup raises the APR.
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Chapter 5, updated Oct 26, 2026
Trade-in and negative equity
Find your equity, see what rolling a $3,000 gap into a new loan costs, and check it on the contract.
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Chapter 6, updated Oct 26, 2026
Add-ons, GAP and service contracts
What GAP and service contracts pay for, what they cost when financed, and how to decline or cancel.
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Chapter 7, updated Oct 26, 2026
Out-the-door price
Every line from vehicle price to amount financed: doc fees, sales tax, add-ons and the trade-in.
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Chapter 8, updated Oct 26, 2026
Retail installment contract
The disclosure box, the Holder Rule notice, spot delivery and arbitration clauses, and a signing checklist.