Buy A Card -
In 2026, the gap between new and slightly used cars has narrowed due to high resale values and aggressive new-car incentives.
: Obtain financing from an outside source like a credit union or bank (e.g., Scott Credit Union ) before you shop. This gives you a baseline interest rate to challenge dealer offers. 2. Choose Between New, Used, or CPO buy a card
Before visiting a dealership, determine your "true" budget to avoid overextending yourself. In 2026, the gap between new and slightly
: Experts recommend putting at least 20% down , financing for no more than 4 years , and keeping total monthly costs (payment + insurance) under 10% of your gross income . or CPO Before visiting a dealership