Why Buying Brand-New Can Be a Financial Mistake (How to Score a Great Used Car Instead)

Dealerships make it effortless to drive off in a shiny new vehicle, while scoring a great deal on a used car takes effort.

Several car models lined up. Mikbiz/Shutterstock

A reader recently wrote in with a question that pops up more often than dandelions in a spring lawn:

“I need a new car—we want a Honda CR-V, but after looking at the used car listings, it looks like new might be a better deal, especially since it saves me from putting much money down.”