Owning a Vehicle Edition

Owning a Vehicle

Key facts about insurance, costs, and decisions that come with car ownership.

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A Complete Picture of Long-Term Car Ownership Costs and Decisions
Owning a Vehicle · Featured

A Complete Picture of Long-Term Car Ownership Costs and Decisions

By Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 7 min read
Owning a Vehicle Annual Car Ownership Checklist: Financial and Safety Items to Review

Annual Car Ownership Checklist: Financial and Safety Items to Review

Use this yearly checklist to review your insurance coverage, vehicle registration, maintenance records, and roadside pre…

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 6 min
Owning a Vehicle Buying New vs. Used: How the Financial Trade-offs Really Stack Up

Buying New vs. Used: How the Financial Trade-offs Really Stack Up

New cars offer warranties and latest features; used cars cost less upfront. See how each option compares across price, d…

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 6 min
Owning a Vehicle Car Insurance Terminology Every Driver Should Understand

Car Insurance Terminology Every Driver Should Understand

From liability limits to comprehensive coverage, this plain-language glossary explains the terms on your auto insurance …

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 5 min
Owning a Vehicle Everything Involved in Transferring a Vehicle Title

Everything Involved in Transferring a Vehicle Title

Title transfers involve specific paperwork, fees, and deadlines that vary by state. This guide walks through what the pr…

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 7 min
Owning a Vehicle Financing a Car: Loans, Leases, and Paying Cash Compared

Financing a Car: Loans, Leases, and Paying Cash Compared

Each way to pay for a vehicle comes with different obligations and trade-offs. This breakdown explains how loans, leases…

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 5 min
Owning a Vehicle Gap Insurance: What It Covers and When It Actually Makes Sense

Gap Insurance: What It Covers and When It Actually Makes Sense

If you owe more on your car than it's worth, gap insurance covers the difference after a total loss. Here's how it works…

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 7 min
Owning a Vehicle Leasing a Car: The Real Advantages and the Overlooked Drawbacks

Leasing a Car: The Real Advantages and the Overlooked Drawbacks

Leasing offers lower monthly payments but comes with mileage caps and no equity. Here's an honest look at both sides of …

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 6 min
Owning a Vehicle Liability, Collision, and Comprehensive Coverage: What Each One Actually Covers

Liability, Collision, and Comprehensive Coverage: What Each One Actually Covers

Auto insurance has three main coverage types that work very differently. Here's what each protects — and what it doesn't…

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 8 min
Owning a Vehicle Owning a Car for the First Time: What No One Warns You About

Owning a Car for the First Time: What No One Warns You About

First-time owners often overlook registration fees, routine maintenance schedules, and insurance requirements. Here's a …

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 8 min
Owning a Vehicle Persistent Myths About Auto Insurance That Cost Drivers Money

Persistent Myths About Auto Insurance That Cost Drivers Money

Red cars aren't rated higher. Your credit score does matter. We separate widespread auto insurance myths from how polici…

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 6 min
Owning a Vehicle Routine Maintenance That Keeps Repair Bills from Spiraling

Routine Maintenance That Keeps Repair Bills from Spiraling

Skipping oil changes or ignoring tire wear leads to far larger bills later. These maintenance habits protect both your c…

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 6 min
Owning a Vehicle The True Cost of Car Ownership Beyond the Sticker Price

The True Cost of Car Ownership Beyond the Sticker Price

Fuel, insurance, maintenance, depreciation — here's what car ownership actually costs once you factor in every recurring…

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 8 min
Owning a Vehicle Vehicle Depreciation Explained: Why Your Car Loses Value and How Fast

Vehicle Depreciation Explained: Why Your Car Loses Value and How Fast

Most cars lose a significant portion of their value in the first few years. Learn what depreciation is, what drives it, …

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 7 min
Owning a Vehicle What Factors Determine Your Auto Insurance Premium

What Factors Determine Your Auto Insurance Premium

Insurers weigh driving record, location, vehicle type, and more. Understand what shapes your rate and how each factor wo…

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 6 min
Owning a Vehicle When Selling Your Car, These Oversights Can Hurt You Later

When Selling Your Car, These Oversights Can Hurt You Later

Failing to transfer the title correctly or ignoring outstanding liens can create legal headaches long after the sale. He…

Cars & Driving Editorial Team · 5 min

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Cars & Driving Editorial Team

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