How to Find the Best Price When Buying a New Car

Buying a new car is exciting, but getting the best deal takes a little homework. The price you see on the sticker isn’t necessarily the price you have to pay, and with the right research, you can make sure you’re getting the best value for your money. Whether you’re considering leasing or buying, here’s how to navigate the process, plus a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for some of the most popular cars on the market.

Before you even start looking at cars, figure out what you can afford. If you’re financing, a good rule of thumb is that your monthly car payment shouldn’t exceed 15% of your take-home pay. If you’re leasing, you’ll want to stay under 10%.

Beyond the monthly payment, don’t forget to factor in:
✔️ Insurance costs
✔️ Maintenance and repairs
✔️ Registration and taxes
✔️ Gas or charging costs (if you’re considering an EV)

Not all dealerships price their cars the same way. Here’s how to find the best deal:

• Use Online Tools – Websites like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and Autofinder can help you see what others are paying for the same car in your area.
• Look for Manufacturer Incentives – Rebates, special financing, and lease deals change monthly, so check the manufacturer’s website.
• Get Multiple Quotes – Contact a few dealerships and ask for their best price. Let them know you’re shopping around—they’ll be more likely to compete for your business.

Leasing and buying both have advantages, and the right choice depends on your financial situation and how long you plan to keep the car.

✔️ Lower monthly payments
✔️ Always drive a newer car with the latest features
✔️ Covered under warranty for the duration of the lease
❌ Mileage limits (usually 10,000–15,000 miles per year)
❌ No ownership—at the end of the lease, you either return the car or buy it out

✔️ You own the car and can keep it as long as you want
✔️ No mileage restrictions
✔️ You can sell it whenever you choose
❌ Higher monthly payments
❌ Depreciation—cars lose value over time

To give you a better idea of what leasing vs. buying looks like, here are four of the most in-demand vehicles right now, along with estimated monthly payments based on an average credit score and current market trends.

• Buying: ~$550/month
  • based on $35,000 MSRP, 10% down, 6% interest for 60 months
• Leasing: ~$350/month
  • 36-month lease, 12,000 miles/year, with ~$3,000 due at signing

• Buying: ~$500/month
  • based on $32,000 MSRP, 10% down, 6% interest for 60 months
• Leasing: ~$320/month
  • 36-month lease, 12,000 miles/year, with ~$3,000 due at signing

• Buying: ~$700/month
  • based on $50,000 MSRP, 10% down, 6% interest for 60 months
• Leasing: ~$450/month
  • 36-month lease, 12,000 miles/year, with ~$4,000 due at signing

• Buying: ~$800/month
  • based on $48,000 MSRP, 10% down, 6% interest for 60 months
• Leasing: ~$470/month
  • 36-month lease, 12,000 miles/year, with ~$4,500 due at signing

If you want the lowest monthly payment and like driving a new car every few years, leasing might be your best option. But if you plan to keep your car long-term and want to avoid mileage limits, buying is the way to go. Either way, doing your research on Autofinder.com and shopping around will help you lock in the best deal.

Before signing anything, always ask about additional fees, negotiate where possible, and read the fine print. The right deal is out there—you just have to find it.