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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.

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Posts by Nicole Arata:

Managing the Hidden Costs of Car Depreciation

Nicole Arata
Oct. 27, 2020

Time is no friend to the car owner. Unlike many assets, a car’s value generally decreases over time. This is called depreciation. While it’s an expensive part of the total…

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How to Trade in Your Car

How to Trade In Your Car

Nicole Arata & Philip Reed
July 12, 2018

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…

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How Much Does Routine Car Maintenance Cost?

How Much Routine Car Maintenance Costs

Nicole Arata
Oct. 24, 2017

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 —…

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how-do-i-find-a-good-mechanic

How Do I Find a Good Mechanic?

Alice Holbrook & Nicole Arata
Oct. 24, 2017

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…

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Maximize the Tax Benefits of Donating Your Car

Turbocharge the Tax Benefits of Donating Your Car

Nicole Arata
April 13, 2017

There are perks to donating that outdated car languishing in your driveway: The charity often picks up the car for free, and you get to support a worthy cause. And…

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Why You Shouldn’t (Usually) Buy a Salvage Title Car

Nicole Arata
Feb. 14, 2017

If the term “salvage title” stops you in your tracks, you’re not off base. Salvage title cars attract some buyers because they’re priced significantly below market. They might seem like…

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What Your Car Color Reveals About the Real You

Nicole Arata
Dec. 28, 2016

After all the tough choices associated with buying a new car, choosing a color can feel like the cherry on top. But what most people don’t realize is that your choice can also…

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Car Repairs: Independent Mechanics vs. the Dealership

Nicole Arata
Aug. 12, 2016

Say the warranty on your trusty minivan or sedan just ran out. You’ve been having it serviced at the dealership for years with no problems. Your friends say, “Why change?” The…

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Emailing the Dealership: Getting a Quote on Your Dream Car

Nicole Arata
July 11, 2016

If you walk onto a car lot and ask for a price, you may get a long song and dance before you get an actual out-the-door number. It could be…

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Car-Buying Services: Skip the Dealership Stress

Car-Buying Services: Let Someone Else Negotiate

Nicole Arata
April 5, 2022

If you’ve ever dreaded going to the car dealership, you’re not alone. That’s why services exist that help people buy a car without ever setting foot on a lot. Once you decide…

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