 TITLE: 10 Things First-Time Car Buyers Need to Know CONTENT: 6\\. Consider Buying Used\n------------------------\nIs your heart set on a shiny new car? You may have second thoughts when you discover just how much that new-car smell will cost you. According to Experian data, the average monthly payment for a new car is $161 dollars more than the average monthly payment on a used car ($554 vs. $393).\nBuying a used car is often a better option for first-time car buyers on a budget. Cars less than five years old typically have many of the same safety features and technological bells and whistles newer models do, but at a much lower cost. If a five-year-old car is too \"vintage\" for you, look for dealers selling two- to three-year-old cars that are coming off leases.\nYou can buy used cars from auto dealerships or from private sellers. Many car dealers and manufacturers sell \"certified pre-owned\" (CPO) cars. These are used cars that have undergone through inspections and reconditioning; they often come with limited warranties and other extras. When buying a CPO car, make sure you fully understand whether the car is covered by a warranty and, if so, what it covers. END