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About Steve
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
Have sold pre-owned autos for many years, can assist in picking vehicle, financing tips and approximating payments and costs.

Experience
have been a sales manager as well as sold pre-owned vehicles.

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Science degree

   

You are here:  Experts > Autos > Tips on Buying Cars > Tips on Buying Cars

Questions Answered By Expert  Steve 
In Category  Tips on Buying Cars

SubjectDate Asked

trading down10/16/2009
  Q: In June I traded my 2002 Toyota Avalon XL and paid cash for a 2009 Avalon XLS, in anticipation of a ...
  A: To sum up, first if the car is too big, too hard to shift, why do you want the same car????? I ...
2003 Mini Cooper10/5/2009
  Q: I am a senior in high school and am looking to purchase my first car. On craigslist, I found a 2003 ...
  A: It is good you have saved some money for your first car. But i will just get to the point. There are ...
used car we are thinking about purchasing9/17/2009
  Q: Our neighbor passed away and his car which is a 1996 Mercury (marquis)is for sale for $2500.00. It ...
  A: It is a 13 year old car, even in excellent condition i would not pay more the $1500.00, if you knew ...
salvaged titles9/13/2009
  Q: I am interested in buying a used car for my teenage daughter in colorado. It's a 1998 honda accord ...
  A: First off, stay away from a salvage title vehicle. They are never rebuilt nearly as good as factory. ...
new car purchase6/20/2009
  Q: the dealer gavr me credit card for the down payment.said it would be 0 interest.i said ,how long at ...
  A: you are probably stuck after the 6 months. First call the credit card company and speak with a ...
cooling off period3/13/2009
  Q: I understand that used car dealers are not required to off the three day cooling off period, but ...
  A: sorry you are unhappy with your purchase. Your paper work should say as is, and no they do not have ...
Vw used car2/23/2009
  Q: I have bought the used car from desert vw and ever sence I have it I have a problem with it every ...
  A: first off is i an extended warranty good at any vw dealer???? if it is try another dealership. also, ...
Didn't get what I pay for1/29/2009
  Q: Three months ago I drove my 4 year old Kia Sorento truck into a dealership to buy a small part. In ...
  A: sorry to hear about all this happening. i am not an attorney, what i would suggest is go to an ...
Was it legal to sell me this car?1/17/2009
  Q: I was wondering if you could help me since I can not seem to find the information I am looking for ...
  A: Sorry you are having all these problems. Firstly, did you know whe it was sold to you that it was a ...
Returning a car after paying on it for 4yrs12/16/2008
  Q: We bought a new car 4yrs ago. Now our income has changed and we need to return the car, because we ...
  A: if the car is almost paid for maybe you can sell it and save the repo charge that will go on your ...
buying a used car...bad credit11/28/2008
  Q: I have a 2003 chevy cavelier. It's starting to fall apart and I need to buy another car. I don't ...
  A: glad your new job seems to be a big plus for you. You may have some trouble getting approved if the ...
Signed Contract Purchase Agreement11/23/2008
  Q: I went to a Toyota dealer to buy a 2008 Scion Xb. Negotiated a deal I felt good about. Signed a ...
  A: from what you are telling me, it sounds like you do ot have any deal. they would need a signature on ...
value10/15/2008
  Q: Can I get your opinion on the discounting of a dealer owned Benz with 7K miles on it? They're ...
  A: first off the 09's are either out or out very soon.....How much and what model are you looking at? ...
new car9/30/2008
  Q: my husband and i bought a new car 2 days ago. they have it listed online on there site for ...
  A: sorry, accidently sent to question pool. You may have a big problem as they can say it was a typo, ...
cancelling a used car contract before taking ownership9/29/2008
  Q: I have a question regarding the topic of cancelling a use car contract: I just signed a contract ...
  A: first, i believe the contract is binding, based on it being a rental, you cannot get out of the ...
Lexus Rx3508/21/2008
  Q: Hey Steve, We're planning on buying the 09' lexus rx350. I know premium fuel is recommended but it ...
  A: if you you regular or mid-grade, fuel economy will drop 3-4 miles per gallon. If you are willing to ...
Sell or Keep 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe5/8/2008
  Q: I own a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe base model (4 cyl)with 65K miles. I owe around $3500 on it. I had a ...
  A: sorry for all the problems you have had. You have put a ton of money in the vehicle. If it is runnig ...
Warranty Transfer4/28/2008
  Q: I have a general question on warranty transfer as a future pre-owned car buyer. 1. Is warranty ...
  A: the manufacturers warranty is transferred. whether you buy from a dealer or private party. after the ...
2008 Honda Civic Sedan Si4/2/2008
  Q: I thank those of you who helped me make a decision. I am leaning hard towards the Si. I would now ...
  A: 1.i recommend finance, leasing is like renting and all that money is thrown away. Plus it is more ...
GM Trucks or Toyota trucks?3/2/2008
  Q: Hey Steve, I was looking to by a used light truck with a small box probably one that is around the ...
  A: Hey Shawn, Don't worry..never too many questions..This is an easy one. Toyot Tacoma hands ...
buying a used 2003 Honda Accord Ex-L2/27/2008
  Q: ..I'm looking at buying a 2003 Accord coupe (ex-L). It's certified pre-owned and despite being 5 ...
  A: i would offer $14,200, then in negotiations i would not go over $14,300 BUT, you would ahve to pay ...
Extended Warranty Programs2/26/2008
  Q: I am purchasing a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe LX 6 cyl, that has 71713 miles, on it and it looks good in ...
  A: I have used only 1 company for about 4 years, have had claims and the claims have all been paid ...
buying a rental2/24/2008
  Q: I am going to be buying a used Toyota Highlander for my 19 year old daughter to take up to college. ...
  A: Nice car for a 19 year old!!!!!!! Rentals are maintained pretty well, you can also purchase extended ...
Financing1/3/2008
  Q: I am currently being financed and I have only 1 more payment to make. Even though I have poor ...
  A: if you have made almost 36 payments on-time, you should be able to get much better financing then ...
Financing12/21/2007
  Q: I am currently being financed and I have only 1 more payment to make. Even though I have poor ...
  A: first of all, congrats on building our credit....Are you a member of a credit union? What kind of ...
Financing a new car, etc.12/19/2007
  Q: 12/19/07 Dear Steve, We’re a two car family, and have recently decided to junk my wife’s 1997 Ford ...
  A: i personally like the Matrix. Toyotas are less expensive to service and repair then the Hondas..as ...
Leasing & Negotiations11/13/2007
  Q: When leasing a car, can you negotiate the price of the car before entering into the lease? I know ...
  A: yes, you get your best price on the vehicle, then work out the lease terms, do not trade in a car, ...
car purchase11/4/2007
  Q: I'm a recent college graduate and I'm looking to buy my first real car. I've driven beaters and I ...
  A: congratulations on graduating, hope you are on your way to being very successful!!!!!! 16K is a nice ...
selling a car i owe on10/31/2007
  Q: .. Okay, so i owe 6 thousand on an auto loan and i just cant pay it anymore. I would like to ...
  A: sorry you have these problems. First depending what state you are in, if the is a CARMAX in your ...
Financing10/26/2007
  Q: I have purchased a new car. However, the dealer has contacted me and asked to come back to sign ...
  A: Without seeing the documents i cannot be positive, but i believe you are leasing a vehicle, you need ...
I am selling a car10/1/2007
  Q: I'm trying to sell a car but I recently got an advice that I need to inform the buyer about my two ...
  A: As long as your title is not a salvaged title, you are o.k...if the car had frame damage you should ...
Wanting to Trade but upside down9/26/2007
  Q: I have a 2003 Ford Explorer XLT. Rececently I went to Carmax to see what they would give me for it. ...
  A: First, Carmax is the best bet...No bank will finance a 2003 with almost 100,000 miles on it. You ...
2007 TOYOTA COROLLA9/21/2007
  Q: vERY EXCITED BECAUSE I REALLY WANT TO BUT A pre owned 2007 TOYOTA COROLLA from car max. bUT I HAVE ...
  A: First good choice on Carmax! They make it much easier for a used car. How much do you have for a ...
Should I trade in or keep9/17/2007
  Q: The gas is killing me so I am considering a Jeep Compass. I currently owe 11,700 on the kia very ...
  A: First the gas on the jeep compass will also be bad. Do you really want to almost double your ...
Trading a upside down note for a a lease8/28/2007
  Q: I bought a 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse last year and now have to upgrade to an SUV because of a new ...
  A: congrats on the baby!! You probably can roll some of the negative equity in the deal. I do not ...
How to get around new truck sales taxes.8/22/2007
  Q: I am buying a 2008 Silverado 2500HD diesel in NY State where i live and own a home, however NY ...
  A: Hey Jack, The problem you will have it has to be insured where it is garaged. If say you insure in ...
D.E.S.P. E.R.A.T.E. !! = & RUNNING OUT OF TIME . . . < only 8 days left to act upon >8/13/2007
  Q: Steve - }I'm 23yrs old female{ For starter's i take full ...
  A: O.k......sounds bad since almost 2 months later......if you have afriend or if yu kno an attorney ...
D.E.S.P. E.R.A.T.E. !! = & RUNNING OUT OF TIME . . . < only 8 days left to act upon >8/10/2007
  Q: Steve - }I'm 23yrs old female{ For starter's i take full ...
  A: o.k.....it looks like since you signed an as is agreement you may have aproblem. First, take the vin ...
buying a car from a private seller8/7/2007
  Q: Basically the seller has a loan on the car - we are going to meet at the bank where his loan is - he ...
  A: Assuming they have the title on the premises, yes he can sign it over, i am in florida so the laws ...
Grand Cherokee7/10/2007
  Q: I have been looking at a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 5.9 Liter. Its at a small dealership and ...
  A: is it a good deal..hard to say, if it was very well cared for maybe 150,000, just maybe...what i ...
question..7/9/2007
  Q: well i have a 1990 Grand Am with 38,000 Miles. its really nice and everything but im really tall and ...
  A: first off, i like pontiac much better then ford, the ford has too many miles, is overpriced, and ...
Buying a New Car7/7/2007
  Q: I'm a second-year college student who works part-time, so my proof of income isn't going to do any ...
  A: with no money to put down, and only $75.00 per week, it would be very difficult to be approved for a ...
Buying a New Car7/7/2007
  Q: I'm a second-year college student who works part-time, so my proof of income isn't going to do any ...
  A: what state are you in?? what do you call part time??? you might be able to get what is called ap ...
Leasing7/4/2007
  Q: My wife and I are thinking about getting a new car, but we are worried about timing. Currently we ...
  A: you need to pay down your current loan, a lease is only decent if you do not trade in a vehicle and ...
Selling my car6/18/2007
  Q: I have a 2005 Saturn VUE in excellent condition that i no longer need, because I moved to New York ...
  A: Either you will take a large loss on the car, or if you can, advertise it on E-bay. It will give you ...
Buying a used grand cherokee 20006/14/2007
  Q: I just looked at a five door 6 cylinder grand cherokee 2000 with 105,000 miles on the clock. Dealer ...
  A: That odor has me worried, it could be from the catalytic converter, or anything for that ...
Buying a used grand cherokee 20006/13/2007
  Q: I just looked at a five door 6 cylinder grand cherokee 2000 with 105,000 miles on the clock. Dealer ...
  A: O.K...Now we are looking better..Run a carfax www.carfax.com costs $14.95, if it comes out good, ...
Buying a used grand cherokee 20006/12/2007
  Q: I just looked at a five door 6 cylinder grand cherokee 2000 with 105,000 miles on the clock. Dealer ...
  A: I am always leery at that mileage, but if it is in excellent condition, and you are getting $1000 ...
Ford Explorer 124,000 KM6/4/2007
  Q: My husband and I are looking into buying a 2002 Ford Explorer Limited edition w/ 124,000 miles. The ...
  A: STAY AWAY.........DO NOT let the good looks fool you!!!!! Explorer are nice vehicles, and that is a ...
200,000 mile 1993 corolla5/23/2007
  Q: My 1993 toyota Corolla just turned 2000,000 miles. When will the engine or transmission die? I take ...
  A: congrats, you must really take care of the corolla. continue like that and it could go another 100K. ...
BMW5/6/2007
  Q: I have come across a 323Ci that i'm interested in buying. I'm not sure on it though because i've ...
  A: Great to see you seem to be doing your research. A couple of questions. Have you checked how much ...
Mazda5/4/2007
  Q: What is opinion for 07 Mazda3 hatchback? Thanks
  A: Mazda is a good reliable vehice. I like the the Mazda 3 and Mazda 5 whether it is a hatchback or ...
Please need some help5/3/2007
  Q: I don't know if you can help me out but I figure why not try? So, I have a loan for 5000 and have to ...
  A: i would stay away from old Mazda's. The newer ones are good, but 2000 had many problems including ...
infiniti vs mercedes4/30/2007
  Q: steve, I am replacing my 2000 Bonneville (it was totalled recently..no injuries fortunately). My ...
  A: I would go with the G35. It is brand new, will keep its resale value, and not too expensive to ...
New car buy4/22/2007
  Q: Steve, Thanks for taking my question. I recently wrecked my car of 7 years and I suspect the ...
  A: . Yes, Carmax is the best place to buy used..Under 40K, you can buy almost anything.....I like all ...
Teenage Buyer4/17/2007
  Q: I'm 17 and looking to upgrade my current vehicle. My main problem is that I want a newer model ...
  A: First off, you seem very responsible. Ihave a question..If you want to spend almost all your monthly ...
Buying a new/used Chevy Suburban or Chrysler Sebring Convertible4/8/2007
  Q: My old 1998 Mazda Protege just had the transmission go out and I do not want to fix it. I've had ...
  A: first off, if you give them your drivers license number, they can pull your credit. Go to ...
buying a car by e-mail4/7/2007
  Q: I found a car to buy over the web, its over 3 hours drive from my home. There are very few with ...
  A: first, get the vehicle identification number (VIN #), THEN GO TO WWW.CARFAX.COM FOR $15.00 you can ...
Durabilty4/3/2007
  Q: I would like to know the durabilty of Honda accords
  A: they are great cars, very durable, will last forever if you change oil and do the maintainence. We ...
Used Car12/17/2006
  Q: I think I recently asked you a question about buying a used car. My equity loan didn't go as well as ...
  A: You are looking for trouble with the ford, it will not last nearly as long as the Toyota or ...
Civic, Corolla, Scion12/2/2006
  Q: I'm a single mom on a budget trying to by a used car. I'm a bit nervous buying a car as a woman ...
  A: First off...STAY AWAY FROM THE CAR IN THE PIC! It is probably run very hard, and even if it looks ...
Cars Basics3/25/2006
  Q: I am willing to buy a car, but I dont know anything about cars ... I dont know understand all the ...
  A: lol, there is a lot, but to get the most information go to www.edmunds.com there you have different ...
returning vehicle after you sign3/23/2006
  Q: I recently signed a contract on a vehicle(suzuki xl-7). We put $1000 downpayment,come to find out ...
  A: stacy, if it is more then 72 hours, you are probably stuck.....As long as it is not a branded title, ...
used car purchase3/17/2006
  Q: I live in Kentucky and looking to purchase a used car. Not to get into too many details, but about ...
  A: DON'T go to a buy here pay her, the cars are junk and you will not help credit...How much down ...
Dishonest car seller(USA) lied to me that his car has never been in accident. what are my options?2/14/2006
  Q: I'm sort of new to US laws n everything. Bought a car few days back and (2003 model, still under ...
  A: do you have in writing that car was never in accident? You probably cannot get out of deal based on ...
Used car interest rate1/12/2006
  Q: I have been approved for financing on a 2003 Chevy Avalanche 4x4. It has been 22years since I last ...
  A: there are many variables, i need some more info. Forget it has been 22 years since your last car ...
buying a car.11/9/2005
  Q: I want to buy a used car. Never had one before. I need something economical,smaller, and more or ...
  A: Economically, you will be affected....Insurance is high, maintenance can be costly..It is a big ...
info on used SUVs10/17/2005
  Q: I'm shopping for a used SUV (model year 2001-2005) and am looking for a site that would have the ...
  A: Jeff, you can get some information at www.consumerreports.org very good info...I do not know how ...
selling a car10/16/2005
  Q: I am planning on selling a 1997 Ford Taurus Sedan with 115,000 miles on it. The cars engine and ...
  A: Depends how much you will take.....If Auto trader is 4-4500, i would ask 4295, like i said i do not ...
efficiency8/19/2005
  Q: In the compact and subcompact category, during the years 1998 to 2000, which make has the best miles ...
  A: Hey Phil, In my opinion, the best vehicle overall with GREAT gas mileage, will be the Toyota Echo. ...
Used 96 ford Explorer Purchase8/8/2005
  Q: Followup To Question - Vehicle is beautiful to look at. '96 Explorer has 80K miles. 1) What ...
  A: As i said, i would pass, but if you think it is really in great shape, offer $3900.00 and go ...
Hi, I am in the state of NY...7/8/2005
  Q: I am in the state of NY and just signed a lease agreement on a Jaguar x-type. I signed this ...
  A: i would suggest you QUICKLY contact an attorney, i thought the cooling off period on a purchase was ...
Luxury car7/1/2005
  Q: Steve, My wife and I are looking for a used car. We want a nice comfortable ride. Something where ...
  A: An Acura 3.2 TL, is a nice riding luxury vehicle, for your price range, a 2000, or 2001 would ...
please help5/20/2005
  Q: I am looking to purchase a used 2002 Honda Civic LX from a dealership. The sticker price is 12995. ...
  A: Fist you did not tell me the mileage...Let us assume the miles are about 35-40,000 miles. I would ...
financed car5/3/2005
  Q: I have a couple of questions. First, do you know whether payments are significantly lower for a ...
  A: Lease payments can be lower BUT.......you are renting a car, and will be responsible for any dings ...
Buying question4/17/2005
  Q: I'm looking into buying a used car, and I was wondering if you could offer a bit of advice. I've ...
  A: I live in Florida, and i am NOT a big fan of convertibles...They are noisy, they do leak and yes ...
Used Mitsubishi Outlander4/15/2005
  Q: I am considering purchasing a used Pearl White 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS AWD from a Mitsubishi ...
  A: Seems like a lot of mileage for an 03 especially with 36K in 1 year.......I personally would pass ...
Tips for purchasing a used vehicle4/15/2005
  Q: 85224 We are going to help our son purchase a used vehicle that will be used for commuting to work ...
  A: You are somewhat limited with a budget of $5000...But if that is max i would look for a Ford Escort ...
torn between two autos4/14/2005
  Q: Steve: I am considering buying a newer car. I am interested in the 2002 Pont. Grand Prix. I am ...
  A: Is it worth it...That is up to you. If you love the GT what did you think of the SE? Remember you ...
Used Car4/11/2005
  Q: I'm planning to buy a used car. I need your guidance, what are the major points, that I should pay ...
  A: harsh, what kind of car fits your needs? 2 door or 4 door or mini van. Decide that first. How much ...
Hi Thanks for your quick...3/7/2005
  Q: Could you please be more explicit about the problems you envisage. I would appreciate the details. ...
  A: Parts are hard to come by in the states...where will you get replacemant parts if needed? Water ...
How long will this car last2/16/2005
  Q: ..the car is a chevy corisca and it is a 95 the only thing wrong with it is it has alot of ...
  A: Normally i would say NO to something like this...BUT, if there are no alternatives, here is my ...
How long will this car last2/16/2005
  Q: How long do you think a car with 200,000 miles last?
  A: What kind of a car is it? How long have you had it? Is it in decent shape? If you are just getting ...
questions about buying car2/9/2005
  Q: I want to buy my first car, I think I should get a pre-owned certified, what exactly is the car ...
  A: first off, get the VIN # and get a car fax, that will help you find out if the car was ever in a ...
malibu LS1/23/2005
  Q: Thinking of buying either a 2003 or 2004 Chevy Malibu LS. Are these good years? The 2003 V6 engine ...
  A: offer 4500 less then asking price, they will give you all sorts of b.s. why it is ridiculous, then ...
2001 Olds Bravada1/12/2005
  Q: Steve,Thank you for your voulenteering support: I have been looking at a '01 Olds Bravada with ...
  A: I like this vehicle...BUT. It will be 4 years old, will not be made anymore. That will not hinder ...
Mazda reliability vs. Honda & Toyota12/20/2004
  Q: Steve: I'm going to be buying a car soon. I want to buy one about two years old, hopefully with ...
  A: Hey David.... This one is fairly simple...If it is not a matter of money honda or toyota are a great ...
Buying a minivan12/15/2004
  Q: I am in the market for a new minivan. I am looking to spend about 20-30K for a minivan. Which ...
  A: Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna are the best choices hands down in my opinion! You can get a fairly ...
when to buy12/10/2004
  Q: I want to buy a 2004 Corolla and was wondering is buying at the end of year the best buy or at the ...
  A: Personally if you want to save the most money, i would look to buy a 2004 USED Corolla.......You can ...
Buying a used Car11/15/2004
  Q: im in atlantaYes i have a job but its just a campus job I make like 600 a month but i have a saving ...
  A: Charon, look at www.carmax.com search vehicles $10,000 and under....As i said if yor credit is clean ...
Buying a used Car11/15/2004
  Q: Ok im 21 yr old student who is looking to buy my first car. My credit isnt that bad but i want to ...
  A: that is an excellent plan. A few questions though. Do you work? How much do you make a month? How ...
Best year of Jeep Cheroke to buy11/1/2004
  Q: I am interested in buying a older Jeep Cheroke what year is a good year as far as least amount of ...
  A: for the $6000 range you should look for a 1995 or 1996, finding something around 75,000 to 90,000 ...
Used Car10/31/2004
  Q: Steve, I had spoken with you some time ago, about buying a used car, and I decided to take you up on ...
  A: As Toyotas are VERY good, i would not buy one with 200,000 miles, even with a new engine...Even if ...
88 subaru10/27/2004
  Q: i have a 88 subaru wagon front wheel drive in good shape. ac works and the tires are prety good ...
  A: sorry that car has stopped running.....there really is no market for a 16 year old car with that ...
2001 Hyundai Santa Fe10/14/2004
  Q: Steve - I'm looking at purchasing a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe, AUTO 4Door, V6 2.7L 2WD GLS model, ...
  A: go to a neighborhood mechanic, Hyundai, may not be objective because they would want to sell you a ...
2001 Hyundai Santa Fe10/14/2004
  Q: Steve - I'm looking at purchasing a 2001 Hyundai Santa Fe, AUTO 4Door, V6 2.7L 2WD GLS model, ...
  A: Its a good vehicle, average miles, i would ask for the vin # and do a carfax, that will tell you how ...
Buying a car9/26/2004
  Q: There's no CarMax nearby, sadly. How much can I expect to get a Chevy Malibu, in good condition. Not ...
  A: O.k......If you want a chevy malibu, which is NOT too bad here is what to look for. If you can spend ...
Buying a car9/25/2004
  Q: I'm looking to buy a decent small car with a reasonable mileage (under 100k), ideally it would be a ...
  A: where do you live? Do you have a CarMax nearby? Cars are guarenteed not to be wrecked, flood or ...
Best Car Value9/11/2004
  Q: I am a volunteer in another category and are looking for an automotive expert to advise and assist ...
  A: you will be hard pressed to find a quality vehicle in the $3000 range......If that is the most you ...
Used mini vans8/17/2004
  Q: I want to buy a 2 or 3 year old mini van. I have a 1996 Dodge Caravan right now with 95K miles and ...
  A: Leasing is not the best way to go (IMHO), BECAUSE REALLY YOU ARE RENTING A CAR! Apurchase of a 1-3 ...
How do I go about selling my car?8/13/2004
  Q: I am preparing to leave America to teach English in Korea. Needless to say, I cannot drive there ...
  A: what stae are you in? Look for a comapny called CARMAX, they will buy your car even if you do not ...

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