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Expert Tips for Negotiating the Best New Car Price

Negotiating for a new car can feel like you are an amateur facing off against a team of professionals. However, by establishing the ground rules early, you can level the playing field and secure a fair deal. While a good salesperson’s deep product knowledge can help during the shopping process, their goal is to maximize dealer profit. . To get the best price, move past "shopping mode" and enter negotiations with a clear plan and strat...
Posted:Tue Mar 24 06:00:21 EDT 2026

Safest New Cars of 2026, According to the IIHS

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) released its list of the safest new cars for the 2026 model year, and it includes more than a dozen sedans and SUVs with starting prices below $30,000. 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ Winners. Small Cars . Midsized Cars. Midsized Luxury Cars. Large Luxury Cars. Small SUVs. Midsized SUVs . Midsized Luxury SUVs. Large SUVs. Pickups. How the IIHS Tests Cars more on car safety...
Posted:Tue Mar 24 00:05:00 EDT 2026

Cargo Room for SUVs and Minivans as Measured by Consumer Reports

An SUV or minivan’s cargo capacity is a primary consideration for buyers, but manufacturer specifications often don’t reflect real-world utility. While automakers tout the total volume, this includes spaces that don’t actually accommodate luggage or boxes. And even if the space is large, a small cargo opening limits what can be carried. . Consumer Reports evaluates cargo space to measure the actual usable room. For SUVs, minivans...
Posted:Mon Mar 23 12:41:11 EDT 2026

ICYMI: Cheddar Cheese Recall, Worst Vacuums, Plus What to Buy Instead

Our In Case You Missed It series highlights recent ratings, news, and investigations. Home. (The Worst) Vacuums, Frying Pans, and Laundry Detergents. Bike Riding Safety Tips. Cars. Used Cars. Tech. Flip Phones. Health. Food Recalls. Beauty and Personal Care Products. Latest Ratings Over the past week, we advised against eating Raw Farm cheddar cheese during the ongoing E. coli outbreak and highlighted the food recalls we’ve seen since...
Posted:Mon Mar 23 06:00:07 EDT 2026

OTA Car Software Updates: Are They Safe and How Do They Work?

Many newer cars allow owners to download software updates that can fix problems, improve performance, and even make some safety recall repairs. These “over-the-air” — or OTA — software updates have become common in recent years, and they can be done without leaving your driveway, the same way you’d update a phone or laptop. What Does an OTA Software Update Do? . How Long Do OTA Software Updates Take?. What Could Go Wrong With ...
Posted:Mon Mar 23 06:00:01 EDT 2026

Most Satisfying New Midsized SUVs According to Consumer Reports' Experts

Every year, we ask Consumer Reports members to share exactly how satisfied they are with the vehicles in their garages. The survey results, which this year captured data on about 380,000 vehicles, reflect the often-changing marketplace. For example, a model that excited owners when brand-new may prove to be a reliability headache, resulting in a steep drop in our owner satisfaction ratings. Conversely, some SUVs remain historically reli...
Posted:Sat Mar 21 06:00:34 EDT 2026

5 Expert Bicycle Maintenance Basics Every Rider Should Know to Avoid Costly Repairs

The thought of hopping on your bike and hitting the great outdoors with the wind in your face is invigorating (provided you’re wearing a helmet tested by Consumer Reports’ experts). Beyond the endorphin rush, casual cycling is a highly effective form of low-intensity, steady-state exercise. This makes it an ideal solution for those who prefer outdoor exercise over the confines of a crowded gym, and it can be easier on your body than...
Posted:Sat Mar 21 06:00:23 EDT 2026

Best Used Small Cars for Gas Mileage: Standout Picks From Consumer Reports' Fuel-Economy Tests

Buying a well-maintained 5-year-old used car is a smart financial move because the vehicle has already gone through the steepest part of its depreciation curve. That means you’ll enjoy many of the modern conveniences, safety systems, and entertainment features found in brand-new models but at a significantly lower price point. Compact Cars. Compact Hatchbacks MORE ON USED CARS Popular Compact Cars to Avoid and What to Buy Instead. .Us...
Posted:Fri Mar 20 06:00:39 EDT 2026

Consumer Reports’ Used Car Checklist to Avoid Costly Repairs

Finding a trouble-free used car has nothing to do with luck and everything to do with applying good research and investigative skills. Knowing how to spot potential problems and determine reliability can save you from expensive automotive headaches down the road. The following advice can help you to avoid a lemon and find a good value. Ask the Right Questions. Read the Window Sticker. Inspect the Vehicle Carefully. Take It to Your Mecha...
Posted:Fri Mar 20 06:00:34 EDT 2026

Buying or Leasing a Car in 2026: Which Makes the Best Financial Sense for You?

New car prices remain high in 2026, complicating the decision between buying and leasing. While buying involves higher monthly costs, after you pay off the loan you own your vehicle, which is an asset. Leasing a new car means your monthly payments are lower, letting you drive a premium-trim vehicle that might otherwise be out of reach. At the same time, you get into a cycle of continuous car payments. In both cases, interest rates a...
Posted:Thu Mar 19 12:33:05 EDT 2026

Popular Cars and SUVs to Avoid and Safer Choices to Buy Instead

Just because a car is popular doesn’t mean that it’s the safest choice. In fact, a Consumer Reports analysis found that some top-selling cars and SUVs are far from the top of the pack when it comes to safety.. “Even in 2026, some cars don’t get top scores in crash tests, and some don’t come standard with technology that’s proven to prevent crashes,” says Emily A. Thomas, PhD, associate director of auto safety at Consumer R...
Posted:Thu Mar 19 11:55:56 EDT 2026

Best New SUVs and Cars for Under $30,000

New car prices remain stubbornly high prices remain high, largely because automakers continue to produce more expensive (and therefore more profitable) vehicles at the expense of less expensive ones. According to Cox Automotive, a global automotive services and technology company, the average new-car listing price was $49,248 in January 2026. SUVs and Cars Under $30,000. Subcompact SUVs. Compact Cars. Midsized Cars More on Cars & SUVs W...
Posted:Thu Mar 19 06:00:17 EDT 2026

10 Tips to Get the Most Out of a Tank of Gas

The nationwide average price for regular gasoline reached an all-time high of $5.02 per gallon on June 14, 2022. While the price has dropped significantly from that peak, it has climbed by 92 cents a gallon over the last month. And the current average of $3.84 a gallon (as of March 18, 2026) can still cost you a bundle if you log a lot of miles. The current national average price for midgrade fuel is $4.34; for premium, $4.71; and for d...
Posted:Wed Mar 18 08:26:32 EDT 2026

8 Midsized Three-Row Sport-Utility Vehicles With the Best Tested Gas Mileage

If you’re planning to carry more than five or more passengers and their luggage, a three-row SUV becomes a necessity. While a minivan is often the best option, most shoppers prefer midsized crossover SUVs. However, new models are expensive, and midsized SUVs rarely match the fuel efficiency of small or compact SUVs. To help you make a smart financial decision, Consumer Reports has identified several 5-year-old, three-row SUVs that ach...
Posted:Wed Mar 18 06:00:21 EDT 2026

Talking Cars 498: Discussing the Latest Electric Car Range Test Results

Main theme: This week, we share the results of Consumer Reports’ electric vehicle range test. Find out which vehicles have the longest all-electric driving range, how CR’s 70-mph highway-range test differs from EPA range testing, and what happens when you completely deplete an EV battery while driving. . Audience question: A viewer asks about the evolution of vehicle headlights. . . “Talking Cars” panelists (from left): Alex K...
Posted:Wed Mar 18 06:00:07 EDT 2026