Everything you need to know about
Buying a Car
Thinking about getting a new ride? Awesome.
We’ve got car buying advice to help you get a good deal on your next vehicle. From car shopping tips and how to choose the right auto insurance coverage to finding trusted auto maintenance and repair services, this is your guide for navigating the car buying experience.
Set a Budget
That new car you're eyeing isn't going to pay for itself, so carefully consider all costs associated with car ownership.
How much should you spend?
Try to keep your car payments to less than 15% of your monthly take-home pay.
And, here are some additional tips and tools to help you find a car that fits your needs and budget:
- Use our vehicle loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments.
Insure Your Investment
More drivers choose State Farm to insure their car than any other insurance company in the country.[1] We think you should too.
Learn More About State Farm Auto Insurance
Save Money on Your Car Insurance
Earn a discount based on how you drive with Drive Safe & Save™. If you're under 25 and a safe driver, enroll in our Steer Clear® program to save money on your auto insurance.
State Farm ® Mobile Apps
Download our mobile apps[2] to manage and pay auto insurance, improve your driving habits, and earn discounts.
State Farm® Mobile App
Take care of insurance and banking with ease, get roadside assistance, file claims, and more.
Steer Clear®
Drivers under age 25 can save up to 15% while learning to become a safer driver.
Learn With Us
Smart Car Buying Info
Buying a car is easier when you have the right information. We’re here to help with that.
Enjoy a Better Car Buying Experience
Much like purchasing a new car, if you’re buying used, take the time to carefully research and shop for the vehicle you want. It’s also important to know that the car you’re considering is reliable, affordable to maintain, and has a clean title.
Here are a few more do’s and don’ts to consider when buying a used car:
Check the vehicle history report. Get a detailed report of the car’s history from sites like Carfax or AutoCheck using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). This report will tell you if the car has a clean title, if it’s been involved in a serious accident, the number of previous owners, and more.
Get an inspection. You may pay $100 or more to a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection, but it could potentially save you thousands later in repair bills.
Go CPO. Certified pre-owned vehicles undergo a detailed, multi-point inspection and reconditioning process, and come with a manufacturer-backed warranty. You may also get a lower APR on the CPO car, which can help you save money over the life of the loan.
Whether you’re buying a new car or used, we’re here to help with auto insurance, and money-saving discounts like Drive Safe & Save and Steer Clear.
[1] Ranking and data from S&P Global Market Intelligence, based on direct premiums written as of 2019.
[2] Compatible mobile phone required; enrollment and terms and conditions apply.
State Farm (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates) is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, any third party products or the content of any third party sites referenced in this material. State Farm has no discretion to alter, update, or control the content on the third party sites. Any references to such sites are provided for informational purposes only and are not a solicitation to buy or sell any of the products which may be referenced on such third party sites. State Farm does not warrant the merchantability, fitness, or quality of the third party products referenced in this material.