Car Buying Terms Apr 2026

: A used car that has undergone a rigorous inspection and comes with an extended manufacturer warranty.

: When you owe more on your loan than the car is actually worth. This often happens with long-term loans or small down payments. car buying terms

: What the dealer paid the manufacturer for the car. Knowing this helps you understand the dealer's profit margin and how much room you have to negotiate. : A used car that has undergone a

Walking into a dealership can feel like entering a room where everyone is speaking a different language. To help you feel confident and in control, we’ve defined the most common terms you’ll encounter during your car-buying journey. : What the dealer paid the manufacturer for the car

: The cost of transporting the vehicle from the factory to the dealer. This is usually non-negotiable and passed directly to the buyer. 2. The Loan: Navigating Financing

: Covers the "gap" between what you owe and what insurance pays if your car is totaled while you have negative equity.