You are here:
- Home
- Autos
- Tips on Buying Cars
- Tips on Buying Cars
Tips on Buying Cars/Questions Answered by Expert Shari
| Subject | Date Asked |
| getting car loan when retired | 11/28/2009 |
| Q: I have a two part question, hope you don't mind. I recently moved, after living in the same ... A: With good credit the finance company will not be concerned about your length of residence. They may ... | |
| Buying new pickup truck | 11/17/2009 |
| Q: It will be my primary vehicle for my family (2 kids ages 7 and 4) and also a towing vehicle for a ... A: Your first question...the future of GM is just fine. Even if they did tank your warranty will be ... | |
| Owe more on car | 11/7/2009 |
| Q: I have a 2008 Saturn worth about 12,500. I owe 18,000 on it. I want a 2010 Equinox sticker is ... A: Claudia, the difference between what you owe (18,000) and what the car is worth (12,500) is called ... | |
| car loan | 11/1/2009 |
| Q: i got a loan on my car when i was in GA state and bought a second car at the same state from the ... A: Scott something doesn't sound right. A bank can never just tack on $5000 for no reason at all. You ... | |
| Deposit | 10/28/2009 |
| Q: My wife and I are purchasing a 2009 car. We have narrowed it down to a 2009 Ford product with 100 ... A: The only reason you should put a deposit if it is a hard to get vehicle and they have to order it or ... | |
| Finance New Car | 10/22/2009 |
| Q: I've read through your previous questions. I'm trading a car in, have reasonably good credit-760, ... A: I'm not big on paying cash for a new car (used yes). Rates are really good right now. Get the ... | |
| Should I purchase a car that was in a wreck | 9/7/2009 |
| Q: I have put a $200 "non-refundable" deposit on a vehicle that I am supposed to pick up on this ... A: Priscilla, A Carfax is the best report out there. Maybe the dealer hadn't pulled this, which is odd, ... | |
| buying a new car | 8/14/2009 |
| Q: I'm looking to buy a new 09 Nissan altima S with a couple upgrades. my questions has to do with ... A: You are right, it is based on your credit, but dealers will mark up the rate to make money. So tell ... | |
| buying a new car | 8/12/2009 |
| Q: I'm looking to buy a new 09 Nissan altima S with a couple upgrades. my questions has to do with ... A: Find out the invoice price and offer that. Nissan is a good selling vehicle so they tend not to want ... | |
| oppotune time for year-end model purchase | 8/9/2009 |
| Q: I am in the market for either a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, a mid-level model in their line up, in ... A: ..sorry for the delay in getting to you. 1) The Honda and Toyota are the best sellers out there. ... | |
| leasing with bad credit | 7/2/2009 |
| Q: I am currently leasing two Nissan vehicles and have never missed or been late with a payment. One ... A: Marsha, I would talk with the bank that has your lease. Probably your best bet is to extend the ... | |
| New Car Loan Issues | 6/17/2009 |
| Q: Last Thursday evening I found a new car at a dealership. We did the paperwork and they gave me the ... A: Dealers do that Denise, put you in a vehicle hoping to get the financing done. They are fairly sure ... | |
| cancel a lease | 4/22/2009 |
| Q: I am from Arizona and I have signed a car lease with Honda dealer yesterday. After having talked to ... A: You got so screwed over, That is such a scam. I'd call the Arizona Dealer divison and report them. ... | |
| cancel a lease | 4/21/2009 |
| Q: I am from Arizona and I have signed a car lease with Honda dealer yesterday. After having talked to ... A: Ashish, Take that car back and demand your trade in. Call the State of Arizona's Motor Division. ... | |
| cancel a lease | 4/19/2009 |
| Q: I am from Arizona and I have signed a car lease with Honda dealer yesterday. After having talked to ... A: You should be able to take it back in the morning. They have not sent the paperwork in to the bank ... | |
| end of lease | 4/13/2009 |
| Q: I am in a rather complicated situation with vehicles and I need a little advice sorting out what ... A: You could work with the bank that currently has your Nissan lease and purchase it. You will be hit ... | |
| Demo | 3/18/2009 |
| Q: I am thinking of trading my my 2007 Nissan Murano, which I owe $26,000 on, for a 2009 Nissan Altima ... A: First the dealer wants you to leave the vehicle there is just a ploy. They know how much you will ... | |
| Trading in Autos we still owe the bank for | 3/9/2009 |
| Q: I have a 2004 Chevy Classic with about 55,000 miles on it. I still owe a little over $7,000 for it. ... A: Sorry for the delay in geting back to you Melissa. You can trade both vehicles in on one. However I ... | |
| Getting out of a contract | 2/9/2009 |
| Q: My son and daughter-in-law signed a contract to purchase a car on Saturday afternoon. The payments ... A: Some states have a 3 day grace. I would drop it off at the dealership, and report them to your state ... | |
| purchasing a new car. | 1/21/2009 |
| Q: I live in charleston, I'm about to buy a car from where I work. It will be under 1,000.00 and I will ... A: Tamara...sorry it took so long to answer you, been out of town. I don't know about Charleston but ... | |
| Sale/Trade Auto and Repurchase | 1/4/2009 |
| Q: We have a 2005 Ford F-250 Diesel, when we purchased this vehicle we carried money over from another ... A: Bo, I'll see what your truck is worth tomorrow. How many miles are on it? Leasing is great if done ... | |
| Sale/Trade Auto and Repurchase | 1/3/2009 |
| Q: We have a 2005 Ford F-250 Diesel, when we purchased this vehicle we carried money over from another ... A: yes the truck values really have gone in the tank. I would suggest leasing. It will cover more of ... | |
| balloon lease | 12/14/2008 |
| Q: im currently on my 20th month of my 4 year balloon lease...im paying $669 for my 2008 honda pilot w/ ... A: Unfortunetly, there is no option for you right now. You are responsible for the remaining lease ... | |
| Buying a demo | 11/6/2008 |
| Q: I have recently test driven a 2007 Ford Edge Demo. Sticker price $34910 (in 2007). The car has ... A: Britni, The warranty should start when the car is sold (put in service). You didn't say what they ... | |
| buying new car for first time | 10/27/2008 |
| Q: I'm thinking about buying a new 2008 Santa Fe. Of course, I want the best possible price. The ... A: The invoice cost is what you start with. All rebates are subtracted from that amount. Even though ... | |
| cancelling new car purchased 10.25.08 | 10/26/2008 |
| Q: i purchaseda new car last evening 10.25.08, although the salesman was nice and not the typical ... A: Lisa, Just would like to know if the dealer took the car back? Shari | |
| cancelling a used car contract before completing payment and taking ownership | 9/29/2008 |
| Q: I have a question regarding the topic of cancelling a use car contract: I just signed a ... A: Every state is different on return policies. But it sounds to me that you haven't completed the ... | |
| Dealership backing out of lease | 9/24/2008 |
| Q: My soon-to-be husband and I went to get him a new car a couple of weeks ago. I had a 2000 Audi A6 ... A: Just a few questions, What is the vehicle you leased? What is your new payment? What did they give ... | |
| Upside down and would like new car | 8/21/2008 |
| Q: I have a 2003 Honda Civic Sedan that I currently finance and owe $9,000. It has 94,000 miles and was ... A: First sorry for the delay in getting back to you. The dealer that will appraise your trade in will ... | |
| Lease | 8/18/2008 |
| Q: I am leasing a 2004 Toyota sienna and the lease will be up in May. I am not sure what the best ... A: You can trade in your lease vehicle early. Figure out what new car you want to get into, let the ... | |
| Newbie - Buying a new car questions | 8/18/2008 |
| Q: I plan to buy an ES350 Lexus from a dealership and want a new 2008. I have looked at the packages ... A: You should be able to et any package whatever your zip code. Call your local Lexus dealer, try and ... | |
| Upside down with credit problems | 7/31/2008 |
| Q: "My husband and I were desperate to get new cars after we both had car accidents within a month of ... A: I think you have the right answer, you should hold off as long as possible. Your situation will not ... | |
| credit status after swapping a lease | 7/26/2008 |
| Q: If I successfully get out of my Nissan lease, if the new buyer defaults am I responsible? What if ... A: The person buying your Nissan will have to be approved credit wise by Nissan. Meaning they will be ... | |
| upside down | 7/14/2008 |
| Q: i have a loan of 18,500 on a 2006 Nissan Alima. purchased with mot so good credit. intrest rate ... A: Carole, I am sorry I couldn't help you with a resolution to your situation. Good Luck | |
| Leasing | 7/8/2008 |
| Q: My situation is this. I am currently in a lease (2006 Nissan Altima)that expires in Jan 09. I want ... A: You can add each other to your insurance policies. I bet you're upside down right now in your ... | |
| Leasing | 7/8/2008 |
| Q: My situation is this. I am currently in a lease (2006 Nissan Altima)that expires in Jan 09. I want ... A: He will need to qualify on your loan. Contact the lender that has your lease and they can approve ... | |
| Leasing | 7/7/2008 |
| Q: How does the dealer determing your payment, residual and interest on a lease? Thanks A: The residual is set by the ALG guide which the financial institution cannot waiver from except to ... | |
| Deciding on Model Audi/BMW/Toyota | 7/3/2008 |
| Q: I'm sorry this is a long message but wanted to give my full story with details...as i'm in need of ... A: I cannot answer your technicle questions. I know that if I was going to buy a preowned vehicle and ... | |
| Deciding between Audi/BMW | 7/1/2008 |
| Q: I am deciding between BMW325ix and Audi 3.0 quatro and confused about the all wheel drive and 4 ... A: I looked at both and they looked to be in great shape. If you can afford it I'd go for the under ... | |
| Deciding between Audi/BMW | 6/30/2008 |
| Q: I am deciding between BMW325ix and Audi 3.0 quatro and confused about the all wheel drive and 4 ... A: Morning, You have picked out two of the best models in that class. However, I am really not the one ... | |
| Buying vs. Leasing | 6/25/2008 |
| Q: I am in the market for a new car. I have always purchased cars, have never leased. What are the ... A: The Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans, are the best vehicles out there to lease. They have the highest ... | |
| Early Lease Turn in | 6/25/2008 |
| Q: I know this sounds crazy but I would like to turn in my lease early.....Approximately 8 months ... A: Melissa, First call the bank that is carrying the note and ask for a payoff. What it will be to ... | |
| Buying vs. Leasing | 6/25/2008 |
| Q: I am in the market for a new car. I have always purchased cars, have never leased. What are the ... A: Morning William, I have been a proponent of leasing for several reasons. *You will most likely ... | |
| Rebate | 6/23/2008 |
| Q: I went to a Jeep dealer to price a Jeep Liberty. The sales person told me the price of the Jeep, ... A: You should go to another dealer. All dealers don't figure it like that. I'm not sure about your ... | |
| Can you lease a used vehicle? | 6/8/2008 |
| Q: I keep reading about leasing and was wondering if you can lease a used vehicle? How long would you ... A: Yes Levi, you can lease a used vehicle. Most banks or Credit Unions do have certain stipulations, ... | |
| Financing | 6/8/2008 |
| Q: How does the dealer determine your interest rate on a loan, and is that how they earn their money? A: Your FICA score determines your credit score. Banks have a system like 700 and above would be A ... | |
| Buying a Chevy Aveo5 | 5/26/2008 |
| Q: I have horrible credit and my boyfriend wants to co-sign but he has never established credit. Would ... A: When you have credit issues the dealer has certain vehicles they can put you on. You may not be able ... | |
| Your Land Rover | 5/8/2008 |
| Q: Ok. I bought a 2000 Land Rover Discovery about 3 years ago and to this day i still owe around $5300 ... A: Jonathan, Your Land Rover is worth about 3 to 4k.. have you considered leasing The Subaru? Keep your ... | |
| There is life after going into a dealership! | 5/7/2008 |
| Q: Ok. I bought a 2000 Land Rover Discovery about 3 years ago and to this day i still owe around $5300 ... A: Jonathan, Few things: What color is it? Ever been in an accident? How is your credit? And where do ... | |
| HELP!! My car is making me broke | 5/7/2008 |
| Q: Ok. I bought a 2000 Land Rover Discovery about 3 years ago and to this day i still owe around $5300 ... A: Don't spend any more money on the Discovery! I liked your 'vehicular trap you're in'. You are. Find ... | |
| dealer | 4/30/2008 |
| Q: I'm in the process of choosing a new SUV to buy and have pretty much decided on one. I saw your ... A: Susan, Always negotiate the interest rate. They will try to tack on points, this is where they make ... | |
| buying a new vehicle | 4/28/2008 |
| Q: I always have got a pre approved loan through my local credit union before car shopping. Yet every ... A: Mark, a salesperson is taught that cash is king. They always make more money on downpayments. I ... | |
| Returning a vehicle | 4/21/2008 |
| Q: I've had a vehicle for over a year and have never been late on payments, but, unfortunately, am no ... A: Well, you could purchase another before you return it to the bank if your credit will withstand it. ... | |
| upside down car loan | 4/5/2008 |
| Q: My daughter has two vehicles, one of which she owes $8,000 on and the other $23,000. Neither one of ... A: Please, don't let your daughter go into a dealership until she knows all her options, she will be ... | |
| 2008 Honda Civic Sedan Si | 4/2/2008 |
| Q: I thank those of you who helped me make a decision. I am leaning hard towards the Si. I would now ... A: Jamie, Answers to your 2 questions: 1. When you add all the payments on a lease and add it to the ... | |
| Buying Car for the 1st time questions | 3/20/2008 |
| Q: How are you? I need to buy a car ASAP- i have no knowledge on cars whatsoever and Im terrified of ... A: Aly, Don't know any dealer in Berkely (probably have old hippie friends still hanging out from the ... | |
| Buying Car for the 1st time questions | 3/20/2008 |
| Q: How are you? I need to buy a car ASAP- i have no knowledge on cars whatsoever and Im terrified of ... A: Actually buying a preowned 1 or 2 year old car is fine. You can get a car fax run on it. Some people ... | |
| Leasing | 3/19/2008 |
| Q: We're preparing to get leasing quotes. Our 2006 Accord's lease is up and money is tight right now ... A: Len, A Honda Accord 4 door base model runs around 21,000. On a 3 year lease your pymt will be mid ... | |
| Leasing | 3/19/2008 |
| Q: We're preparing to get leasing quotes. Our 2006 Accord's lease is up and money is tight right now ... A: If you want to keep your monthly payments low stay with an import such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan. The ... | |
| Extended Warranty Programs | 2/26/2008 |
| Q: I am purchasing a 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe LX 6 cyl, that has 71713 miles, on it and it looks good in ... A: Landon, are you buying this vehicle from a dealer? You can purchase one from the dealer or go online ... | |
Tips on Buying Cars
Answers by Expert:
Shari
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can answer most all your questions regarding financing and leasing of new and pre-owned vehicles. I can give you the dealer secrets to make it a more pleasant experience for you. Also, what you should look for in buying a pre-owned vehicle. You should have all the knowledge possible before walking into a dealership.
Experience
I have owned and operated dealerships for over 30 years. Currently work as a consultant for Dealerships training their sales people. Have a nationwide leasing company.
Education/Credentials
Business Degree
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.