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Average Car Loan Interest Rates by Credit Score
Average auto loan interest rates can provide an idea of what APR to expect for your auto loan.
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NerdWallet's writers and editors offer clear answers about car financing — from auto loans to leasing and refinancing — so you can make smart, cost-saving choices and get the best deal.
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How to Get a Car Loan
These six steps walk you through the basics of financing a car and finding the best possible interest rate.
Should You Pay Off a Car Loan Early?
Weigh the pros and cons of paying off your auto loan early and consider your financial situation.
How To Refinance a Car Loan in 6 Steps
Here’s how to refinance your car loan and start saving money.
What Is My Car Worth?
Use these tools to help estimate your car’s value.
How to Sell Your Car When You Still Have a Loan
To sell your car and transfer ownership, you must first pay off your car loan. Here are the steps to take.
How Much Routine Car Maintenance Costs
Costs climb with your car's age, but basic maintenance services can start at a few hundred dollars a year.
Car Lease Calculator
Estimate your monthly car lease payment and use it as a benchmark when shopping for a good deal.
Buying a New vs. Used Car: Which Is Better?
When deciding whether to buy a new or used car, knowing the pros and cons of each can help with your decision.
How to Trade In a Car That Is Not Paid Off
Trading in a car you haven’t paid off takes a few extra steps — including knowing all the numbers in the deal.
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With hundreds of articles and 30+ years of combined expertise, our team helps you make confident financial choices. Discover more from NerdWallet's writers and strategists.
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Latest articles
Refinancing My Car Loan: 4 Things I Learned From Exploring My Options
Applying to refinance my auto loan was easy, but there were still a few things I had to learn to determine if a deal was too good to be true.
Toco Extended Car Warranty 2026 Review: Simple Mileage-Based Coverage
Toco's unique plan structure offers different coverage levels based on your car's mileage.
American Dream Auto Protect 2026 Review
American Dream’s pricing is reasonable, but coverage can be unclear.
Premier Auto Protect 2026 Review: Lowest-Cost Extended Car Warranty for Older Vehicles
Premier Auto Protect offers 24/7/365 claim filing, but plan options can be vague.
CARCHEX 2026 Review: A Mid-Range Extended Car Warranty
CARCHEX offers low-priced coverage for newer vehicles, but it’s not accredited and customer reviews are concerning.
CarShield 2026 Review: Low-Cost Extended Car Warranty for Newer Cars
CarShield offers vehicle service contracts at competitive prices for lower-mileage cars, but actual coverage can be unclear.
Olive 2026 Review: Convenient Extended Car Warranty Option
Olive is a broker, not a direct administrator, but consumer-friendly terms like no waiting period make it a top choice.
Endurance 2026 Review: Our Top Extended Car Warranty Pick
Endurance’s plans are on the pricey side, but its transparency and comprehensive coverage makes it our winner.
Extended Warranties in California: Different Rules Apply
Vehicle service contracts are strictly regulated in California, with special safeguards for consumers.
What Voids a Car Warranty or Claim and How to Prevent It
Federal law prevents your factory warranty from being voided in most cases, but extended warranties don’t have the same protections.
How Extended Warranties Work for Electric Cars (EVs)
If your EV’s tech breaks down after the factory warranty expires, an extended warranty may help pay for repairs.
4 Steps to File a Car Warranty Claim – And Wrap It Up
There’s no guarantee your repair will be covered, but there are ways to improve your odds.
Car Warranty vs. Car Insurance: What’s the Difference?
Car insurance covers external damage, while a car warranty covers internal failures.
Auto Warranty vs. Vehicle Service Contract (Extended Warranty)
Vehicle service contracts are an optional way to cover repairs after your car’s factory warranty runs out.
Extended Warranty Scams: What Car Owners Need to Know
Not all extended car warranties are a scam, but it’s important to know how to spot red flags.
How to Shop For An Extended Car Warranty
Compare your options carefully, and don’t let high-pressure dealers lock you into a contract that’s too good to be true.
Best Extended Car Warranty Companies for Used Cars in 2026
We shopped extended car warranty companies to compare coverage for used cars. Here’s what we learned about customer experience, coverage, costs and more.
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Best Extended Car Warranty Companies of 2026
We shopped and compared extended car warranty companies, and only a few rose to the top. Here’s what we learned about customer experience, coverage and costs.
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8 Top Car-Buying Apps
Buying a car can be complicated. These apps offer unique features and helpful tools that can simplify the process.
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Types of Cars: Which Is the Best for You?
From sedans to SUVs to pickups, each vehicle type offers unique trade-offs in space, performance and cost. This guide breaks them all down to help you choose the right fit for your needs and budget.
