Articles for tag: budgeting, comparison, new car buying

JohnBarnes

New Car vs Used Car: A Real Cost Comparison for 2026 Buyers

The cheapest car is not always the one with the lowest price on the windscreen. A new vehicle may include warranty protection and attractive finance. A used vehicle may avoid the steepest car depreciation but bring more repair risk. For 2026 buyers, the useful question is not simply which costs less today. It is which ...

JohnBarnes

The 20/4/10 Rule for Car Buying: Does It Still Work in 2026?

The 20/4/10 rule for car buying turns a complicated purchase into three memorable limits: put 20% down, finance the vehicle for no more than four years, and keep total transportation costs below 10% of your gross monthly income. It sounds simple, but the car market of 2026 is not. Vehicle prices remain high, ownership costs ...

JohnBarnes

8 Hidden Costs of Buying a New Car Most Buyers Forget

The sticker price is rarely the number that leaves your bank account. Many buyers negotiate over the vehicle price, feel pleased with the result, and then discover that taxes, fees, finance charges and extras have pushed the final figure beyond the budget. Understanding the hidden costs of buying a new car before visiting a dealership ...