We can help, though.

That Limited Time Deal Will Probably Be Back Later

This deal wont last forever!

While these claims can be technically true, theyre also functionally meaningless.

Except, car dealerships have to move vehicles with just as much urgency all year round.

Every car that stays on their lot racks up storage fees and interest for the dealership.

Contrary to conventional wisdom, theres rarely one specific time thats the best time to buy.

Obviously different dealerships have different inventory needs, but all deals dont come on one special month.

However, you have a third option: you might just finance the car yourself.

Banks exist outside of car dealerships, and theyloveto loan you money.

Youll then make payments to the bank directly.

Heres where things get complicated.

Dealerships that offer financing oftenmarkup the interest on the loan.

The 2% extra goes straight to the dealer.

You should alsocheck your own credit first.

Kind of a bummer, right?

Well, dont worry, because most of them arent as good as they sound, anyway.

At least, thatswhat the FTC has to say about it.

A low monthly price may hide the fact that your monthly payments will balloon later on.

The zero percent financing may only apply to a portion of your car loan.

Or all of those advertised deals may only apply to one particular model on the lot.

Like with most things, the devil is in the details.

Unfortunately, you cant just focus on one single number and hope that youll be okay.

Taxes and fees can hose you at the last minute if youre not careful.

Paying attention to this number can save you big over the long run.

Some promotions will have your monthly payment increase over time.

Dealers may even focus onraising your monthly payment to sneak you into a higher priced car.

If a dealership claims it can reduce one of these numbers, keep a close eye on the others.

Ever wonder where those come from?

However, theyre not always altruistic reviews done in a vacuum.

Its also not immediately obvious what awards are actually rating.

Many car ads like to tout theJD Power Initial Quality award.

What it really measures is owner-reported problems during thefirst 90 daysof ownership.

Like most things, finding a good car comes down to research.

Its okay to consider awards, but learn what the award actually means and measures.

Thenread some reviews, and most importantly,try it out for yourself.

you might also check out our sister-site JalopniksBuyers Guidefor tons of info on how to buy cars.

Now, manufacturers obviously have a vested interest in making their cars look as fuel efficient as possible.

The simplest way to do this is to highlight the best-looking number.

Cars are rated by city driving, highway driving, and a combined score that incorporates both.

A car manufacturer may choose toemphasize the highway number in its ads.

Or they may simply elect not to highlight it at all.

Instead, they claim that the car is the most fuel-efficient mid-sized sedan.

But only if you buy the Fusion S, I-4 automatic.

Whichever one that is.

However, the EPA doesnt always consider every factor.