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Buying a New Car

Tips to get you through every step of buying a new car, whatever “new” means to you.

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In the Market for a New Car?

In the Market for a New Car?

This guide will help you through every step of the process, from searching for the perfect vehicle to insuring, financing and more.

YES, I want my Free Guide!

A new car is an exciting – and large – purchase. Getting a safe, reliable car is a big investment that requires a lot of research. And if you’ve never done it before, or haven’t done it in a while, the car buying process can certainly be intimidating. Fortunately, AAA is here to help.

Download the free guide, “Buying a New Car”!

Here’s the Deal

The “Buying a New Car” guide is here for you every step of the way – whatever “new” means to you – whether you’re getting the latest model on the market, a used car or a lease. From searching for the perfect vehicle to insuring, financing and more, this guide has all the information you need to confidently drive off in your fresh set of wheels.

Research

  • Do your homework. Which type of car is right for you? Should get new or used? Buy or lease? Learn the right questions to ask yourself, and your dealer.
  • Thoroughly modern car buying. These days you can order a car online and have it delivered right to your door. Discover the new ways to buy a car, from digital showrooms to subscription ownership (it’s like Netflix, but a car).
  • Taking it out for a spin. How to make the most of the all-important test drive.
  • Plus, keeping up with the latest car tech, a look at hybrid and electric options and how to buy a car for a teen driver.
In the Market for a New Car?

In the Market for a New Car?

Please note that if you are a Primary member of AAA Northeast, you will no longer receive a printed copy of Your AAA. We understand your email address is private. You will receive email and newsletters from Your AAA Network, and we will only share your email with approved sponsors. Any information we capture is subject to the AAA Privacy Policy as amended from time to time. You may view the current version of the AAA Privacy Policy at any time online at AAA.com. And remember you can unsubscribe at any time.

Insurance

  • Understanding the ins and outs of your car insurance policy. Brush up on insurance jargon and get to know different coverage options.
  • How to save. There’s likely an insurance discount or two that you can (and should!) take advantage of.
  • 10 things your insurance agent want to know about you. The information you need to provide to get the most of out of your coverage.

Financing

  • Financing outside of the dealership. Buying directly from the dealer is convenient, but there are perks ($$$) to shopping around.
  • Tips for negotiating a new car price of lease. Don’t overpay for your car!
  • Pre-qualifying for an auto loan. It’s the first step to securing an auto loan.
  • Try our auto loan payment calculator!

Download the “Buying a New Car” guide for access to all this information and more. Be sure to share if you know someone else that can use it, too.

Save driving!

The Editors of Your AAA

In the Market for a New Car?

In the Market for a New Car?

Please note that if you are a Primary member of AAA Northeast, you will no longer receive a printed copy of Your AAA. We understand your email address is private. You will receive email and newsletters from Your AAA Network, and we will only share your email with approved sponsors. Any information we capture is subject to the AAA Privacy Policy as amended from time to time. You may view the current version of the AAA Privacy Policy at any time online at AAA.com. And remember you can unsubscribe at any time.

14 Thoughts on “Buying a New Car”

  1. How about help from AAA finding the right car to buy?

    For instance, if I buy a car, it must be something with a *normal*, old-fashioned, key. No chips, batteries, or satellites. Duplicate keys cost $10, not hundreds.
    Please help me get a list of cars like this.

    Also, as little other tech as possible. (No built-in satellite radio, GPS, etc. If I want these, I’ll buy them separately. I do not want them interacting with the rest of the car’s workings.)

    Please help me narrow down the cars to those.

    Thanks.

    Reply

  3. A lot of your suggestions are just common sense. When I buy a car & not often, I look up the so DEALER’S cost & offer something over that like maybe $300. IF the salesman says NO, I go visit the Sales Manager & tell him MY price, if NO, goodbye, they need me I don’t need them because I buy when I don’t need a car. I have Hartford Insurance through AARP & that Vanishing Deductible costs you more, not as they imply. I’ve been with them for over 20 years

    Reply

  4. Thinking of buying my car at end of lease term. Is there financing available through AAA for this type of purchase?

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your interest and for reading Your AAA Network! AAA does indeed provide financing for that type of purchase. So, stay tuned, we will be in touch with more info via email soon!

      Reply

        1. Hi, thanks for reaching out! Your request has been forwarded to our financial services department. Someone will be in contact with you soon.

          Reply

    1. Hi Sue, thanks for reaching out. AAA members can save on a new car through the Auto Buying Program. More info can be found here. The guide also has tips on how to save in financing and insuring your new purchase.

      Reply

  6. I do not oppose progress, but the chip key is more
    expensive, more error prone, and real theft
    is when the put the car on a flat bed and
    taken to a chop shop. True progress is a
    product that is more reliable, lower cost and
    has an improved main function. Please note that
    insurance companies wanted this more than the
    consumer and the government want electric cars
    not the consumer .
    I will drive my 1990 Jeep
    and be happy.

    Reply

    1. Yes, Fob keys can be repaired. Mine would not open the car doors. First, try a new battery. They can be taken apart to replace the battery. Some auto parts stores will replace the battery free of charge if you buy the battery there. I tried this first. When the Fob key still didn’t work, I took it to an auto dealer for the make of my car. He sold me a new Fob and programmed it, for a cost of $285. I asked for the old key back. When I got home I carefully took the old one apart down to the bare bones. I noticed that a tiny metal disk had slide off it’s tiny post. I noticed the glue that held it in place was a non-drying glue. This is similar to the type used to hold mailers and credit cards on correspondence. Fortunately I happen to happen some on hand. I put a little dab on the tiny post and after it set for a little while, I then carefully pressed it back together. Tested it on the car and it worked fine. It’s still working after about two years. Now I have three keys.

      Reply

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Buying a New Car

Yes! I want my FREE Guide!

car buying

Please note that if you are a Primary member of AAA Northeast, you will no longer receive a printed copy of Your AAA. We understand your email address is private. You will receive email and newsletters from Your AAA Network, and we will only share your email with approved sponsors. Any information we capture is subject to the AAA Privacy Policy as amended from time to time. You may view the current version of the AAA Privacy Policy at any time online at AAA.com. And remember you can unsubscribe at any time.