What Is the Total Cost of Owning a Car?
Calculating the total cost of owning your car — or one you might buy soon — is the best way to make sure your auto budget is in line. The…
Nicole Arata
Nicole is a former staff writer for NerdWallet who dealt with financial topics related to car buying and ownership, with a goal of helping buyers get the best possible deal. Her work has appeared in USA Today, Yahoo Finance and the Los Angeles Times.
Posts by Nicole Arata:
3 Easy Car Maintenance Tasks You Should Be Doing Yourself
You don’t have to be a car expert to perform some of your basic needed maintenance. There are several simple tasks you can take on, as long as you’re willing…
How to Trade In Your Car
Trading in a car is the Achilles’ heel of the car-buying process because it’s tough to get the dealer to give you the full value of your old car. But…
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 — basic services can start at less than $100 per year —…
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…
The Tesla Model 3: Everything We Know So Far
Now that Tesla is slowly fulfilling orders for its mythical Model 3, car enthusiasts are clamoring for more information. Tesla’s newest electric baby is minimalist, powerful and affordable — yes,…
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…
