It seems interest rates have climbed astronomically, and that makes it even more difficult for car buyers who are trying to stem the tide of rising costs in virtually every part of life. 

These days, customers are buying more car than they can really afford because of the lure of low monthly payments. It is, frankly, very deceptive on the part of car dealerships.

What does this all mean for the average car shopper? What's the current situation for new and used cars, and what can you do to find a good deal? 

Buying a car with bad credit can be challenging but it's not impossible. Put these 5 items on your to-do list to get on the right track to buying a car.

Buying a used car can yield serious savings if done right. See the top 5 car used car shopping tips before you head to the dealership.

Worried about getting a fair price on your new car? See what the dealer sticker price means, how vehicle markup is determined, and when you should and shouldn't pay the sticker price. 

Used cars come with lower price tags but higher interest rates. See if buying used is the best route to take when you have bad credit.

With tax day approaching it pays to know that deducting taxes on a large purchase like a vehicle is possible. Here's what you should know when filing your tax return.  

Learn what the average monthly car payments are for new and used cars, why car payments can be risky, and how to calculate a car payment as a percentage of income.

Fair credit can cause roadblocks in getting a car loan just like bad credit. See how to overcome them to buy the vehicle you need.

Car loan interest can add up to thousands of dollars over your loan term. Learn how a simple interest car loan works and how you can take advantage of its potential savings.

What is auto loan modification and should you be concerned about scams? See how to handle unmanageable car payments and get back on track the right way.

There are a handful of alternative ways to buy a car and some pose more risk than others. We cover the benefits and drawbacks of each to help you choose the best path for you.

Paying cash for a car can be a smart move for some, but it has some downsides. We cover the top 3 reasons to pay cash for a vehicle, and the top 3 reasons to finance instead.