What You Need to Know Before Car Shopping Today: 7/1/17

CARS.COM — Fireworks, hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, road trips to hang with friends and family (in record numbers, at that). Yes, summer reaches a crescendo this weekend with the Fourth of July holiday. It's a great weekend not only for flexing your patriotic muscles, but your capitalistic ones, too — and if spending some hard-earned Benjamins on a new ride is in your immediate future, we can help. Check our guide to car shopping below.

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: Volkswagen Tiguan, Audi Q5
• Family sedans: Toyota Camry, Acura TLX
• Fuel sippers: Toyota Prius Prime, Chevrolet Bolt EV
• Hatchbacks: Audi A7, Kia Niro
• Luxury cars: Audi RS 7, BMW M760
• Sports cars: Jaguar F-Type, Honda Civic Type R, McLaren 570GT, Honda Civic Si
• Wagons: Volvo V60 Cross Country

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.

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.