What You Need to Know Before Car Shopping Today: 6/17/17

CARS.COM — Whether you're on the hunt for a substantial last-minute Father's Day gift, eager to take advantage of the plateauing lease boom or dropping fuel prices, or merely interested in freshening up your driveway with a new hue, June is a prime time to be shopping for a new ride. Our guide to essential information and advice before you hit the dealership this weekend is below; get reading so you can get shopping smarter.

Related: More Car-Buying News

What car should I buy? That depends on a lot of factors, but our reviews can help. Check out our recent additions: 

• Pickup trucks: Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

• SUVs: Audi Q5, Fiat 500X

• Family sedans: Acura TLX

• Fuel sippers: Toyota Prius Prime, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Volkswagen e-Golf

• Hatchbacks: Kia Niro, Mini Clubman

• Luxury cars: Audi RS 7, BMW M760

• Minivans: Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

• Sports cars: Honda Civic Type R, McLaren 570GT, Honda Civic Si

Anything I should wait for? The redesigned 2018 Toyota Camry hits dealers late this summer, and Ford has some updates on the F-150 coming this fall.

Which cars have the best deals right now? Check out our top deals for June. As always, your discounts may vary, so check with your dealer for specifics.

• Discount-heavy SUVs include the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Ford Escape and Jeep Renegade, Patriot and Cherokee. 

• If you're shopping family sedans, big incentives exist on the Camry, Ford Fusion and Hyundai Sonata. For something more affordable, compact sedans such as the Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus have factory incentives, too.

Should I buy new or used? Read up on the pros and cons of each. If you go used, review our used-car buyers' checklist and consider whether you want a certified pre-owned car.

How much can I afford? Read our primer.

Should I finance, lease or pay cash? That depends, but this might help you decide.

How do I get the best lease rate? Bone up on common lease terminology, plus our tips.

How do I get the best financing rate? Our game plan lays out some advice. While you're at it, here's what you need to know about auto loans and what you'll need to get one.

Anything I shouldn't do when I'm at the dealer? Yep. Avoid these pitfalls.

Should I get an extended warranty? That depends. Here's what you need to know.

How do I sell or trade in my old car? Learn how to prep your car before you sell it to a dealer, how to trade it in and how to deal with taxes and other considerations. If you still owe money on your old car, read this. Finally, if you want to sell it private party, here's how to create the picture-perfect ad and how to seal the deal.