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Columns: Driving for Dollars
Terry Jackson   Expert: Terry Jackson
Driving for Dollars
Payments usually not tax deductible
Driving for Dollars

Buy car with cash if you can
 

Dear Terry,
When I buy my next car, is it a good idea to pay for that car outright so I have no payments? Or is it better for me to pay for it with a monthly bill so I'll have tax deductions?
-- Mary

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Dear Mary,
It's always best to pay cash for a depreciating asset like a new car. And unless you use a home equity loan -- and meet certain IRS guidelines -- interest on a car loan is not deductible against your federal taxes.



Here are this week's questions:
Will hybrid lease payments rise soon?
Should I pay cash for a new car?
How can my daughter lower car payment balance?
Can I renegotiate after signing a contract?
Bankrate.com's corrections policy -- Posted: Dec. 14, 2007
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