How to Trade In Your Car When You Owe Money on It
Many people trade their old ride in at the dealership on the same day they buy a new car. It’s convenient and helps lower the purchase price. But what if you want to…
Nicole Arata
Nicole Arata is a staff writer for NerdWallet. She specializes in financial topics related to car buying and ownership. Vehicles are typically the second biggest expenditure in a person’s life – and she focuses on helping buyers get the best possible deal. Her work has appeared in USA Today, Yahoo Finance and the Los Angeles Times. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and rooting for the Golden State Warriors.
Posts by Nicole Arata:
How to Trade in Your Car
Trading in your old car is more about convenience than saving money. Most people want to get everything done at once, and the dealership is happy to do that — for…
How to Keep Your Car Repair and Maintenance Costs Low
Car repairs can be a big source of financial stress. Millions of Americans wouldn’t be able to pay for the average repair bill — between $500 and $600 — without…
How Much Routine Car Maintenance Costs
Regular car maintenance keeps your engine running smoothly and many serious car problems at bay. It’s also relatively inexpensive and lowers your total car costs because you’ll avoid some more expensive repairs…
How Do I Find a Good Mechanic?
Developing a good relationship with your auto mechanic can put your mind at ease. When your car starts making an unusual noise, or refuses to start, you’ll have somewhere you can…
Hate Haggling? 5 Ways to Buy a Car Without Negotiating
If you don’t want to spend the day battling the dealer, there are ways to buy a car without negotiating. Many auto services can haggle on your behalf, while other companies offer…
Is Buying a Rental Car a Good Idea?
Buying a rental car may sound risky. With so many previous drivers, will it be a worn-down junker? But used-car shoppers needn’t worry. Former rental cars tend to be well-maintained, easy…
How to Get the Best Deal on Your New Car
As a fast-talking car salesman rattles off a flurry of numbers, it can be hard to make sense of whether it’s a “good” offer. Fortunately, there’s a simple way to make…
5 Ways to Get a Car to Drive for Uber or Lyft
If you’d like to drive for Lyft or Uber but don’t have a car, there are a lot of options to get you rolling. Rental agencies, finance companies and even…
First-Time Car-Buying Guide
We often associate cars with freedom and independence, and even with our identity — which makes buying your first one exciting. But with so many decisions to make, buying your first…
