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Used Cars/Questions Answered by Expert Shane

SubjectDate Asked
I borrowed money to buy truck from x-wifes son2/10/2012
  Q: I borrowed money from my x-wifes son to be paid back with interest. a payment schedual was drafted ...
  A: If the title is in her name you are going to have a hard time getting it from her. My best advise is ...
To repair or not to repair?10/28/2011
  Q: I have a 2003 Honda Accord LX model and I've noticed over time that the paint has peeled off from ...
  A: In my opinion it is not worth repainting the car. You stated that the car also has a bad ...
Totaled before title transfer7/1/2011
  Q: We are in MI, and purchased a vehicle from a private seller in CA. The vehicle was wrecked during ...
  A: You still have to pay the tax. It is a "sales" tax not a use tax. If you use the car or not does not ...
1999 pathfinder4/12/2011
  Q: found a 1999 pathfinder on net with only 85000 mi for under $3000. has 3.3 L engine. Is that too ...
  A: That does look like a nice car. Go check it out, it may be a great deal. Make sure it has a clean ...
1999 pathfinder4/11/2011
  Q: found a 1999 pathfinder on net with only 85000 mi for under $3000. has 3.3 L engine. Is that too ...
  A: That engine is fine in the Pathfinder. Sounds like a good deal.If it is a 4x4 make sure to put it in ...
car title3/24/2011
  Q: I have recently purchased (a week back) a used car from a car dealer in New Jersey. At the time of ...
  A: I am not sure of New Jersey law, but I will try to help. Here in Michigan when you buy a car from a ...
returning used car and getting back my trade2/22/2011
  Q: I just purchased a used car from a reputable dealership in Honolulu, Hawaii this past Saturday, Feb ...
  A: I have never heard of a contract giving you 3 days to cancel a purchase of a used car. The only time ...
used car purchase advice2/13/2011
  Q: i'm interested in buying a used car from a major, reputable, new and used car dealership. more ...
  A: First if you are dealing with a trusted dealer, you shouldn't need any "tricks". I think $2000 is a ...
I need some advice1/26/2011
  Q: I am going to buy a used car under $3500.I am college student, first time driver. I'd like to ask ...
  A: Sometimes a dealer will advertise a vehicle for sale as owners because CraigsList limits the number ...
USED CARS/RECOMMEND BRANDS1/17/2011
  Q: LET ME JUST SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME! HELLO, YOU HAVE BEEN GREAT AT ANSWERING MY QUESTIONS THUS ...
  A: Its funny you mentioned a buick. That is (in my opinion)one of the best vehicles to buy with higher ...
Selling my used car1/14/2011
  Q: I own a 2003 Honda Accord LX with 77,738 miles on it and I'm definitely selling it prior to my move ...
  A: Without seeing your car it is impossible for me to know how bad the blemishes are. That being said; ...
Michigan salvage laws12/29/2010
  Q: Good day. My question is if a vehicle has been declared a total loss in the state of MI if the title ...
  A: This could have been done legally by the person you bought it from. Its very possible they didn't ...
Michigan salvage laws12/27/2010
  Q: Good day. My question is if a vehicle has been declared a total loss in the state of MI if the title ...
  A: Sorry for the delay I have been off for a few days for the holidays. Once a title has been branded ...
Fleet vehicles12/21/2010
  Q: I am sorry...but I did not ask that question again. I sent a question asking about Fleet vehicles, ...
  A: A "Fleet" is a group of cars owned by the same company and used by their company. For example ...
Fleet vehicles12/21/2010
  Q: I am sorry...but I did not ask that question again. I sent a question asking about Fleet vehicles, ...
  A: Oh ok, I received a question that i had already answered. I personally dont mind a fleet vehicle ...
2007 Camry9/11/2010
  Q: Which is a better car/purchase a 2007 29,000 miles Toyota Camry Le or 2007 56,000 miles Toyota ...
  A: I'd take the standard LE over the hybrid simply due to the lower miles. Look to spend around ...
SELLING USED CAR/OR TRADE IN.9/1/2010
  Q: YOU MAY HAVE HELPED ME A MONTH OR TWO AGO WITH SOME USEFUL CAR BUYING INFO...AND IF SO, THANK YOU! I ...
  A: First of all you are correct in not wanting to put any money into that car. If you fixed all that ...
used truck buying6/18/2010
  Q: My question is in regards to buying a used 2006 Toyota Tacoma. I have been looking for one now for ...
  A: I wouldn't be to concerned about the second owner. It is common for some companies to only keep a ...
purchasing a new/used car6/2/2010
  Q: I have a question about buying a car. My car is twelve years old and I am bit rusty on the car ...
  A: V. The dealer is going to ask your payment range for a couple reasons, first if you want a monthly ...
creative financing5/11/2010
  Q: Are there ways the seller of a vehicle can legally be the bank when selling a vehicle? ex I sell a ...
  A: Yes you can and you dont need to get a lawyer involved to do it. Just go to an office supply store ...
bought used car lasted less then 5hours4/23/2010
  Q: Purchased a used car as is from dealership. Title was still in previous owner's name. Told that ...
  A: I am sorry to hear about your misfortune. In Michigan if the dealer sold you the car "AS IS" than ...
Question about Title transfer - Michigan12/21/2009
  Q: I am buying my daughter's car to trade in on another car. (She's buying my car which is newer and ...
  A: No you dont have to transfer the title into your name. Just have her sign the title and do not date ...
bad move11/30/2009
  Q: so, we signed the contracts and finance agreement that night and we took delivery of the car by ...
  A: What the dealer did is called a "spot delivery" in other words they let you take the car home before ...
salvage title in atlanta want clean title in mi11/3/2009
  Q: i just bought an 09 honda accord that has a salvage title in atlanta. i would like to register the ...
  A: What you would like to do is called "title washing" and is possible but considered un-ethical and ...
buying from private person9/18/2009
  Q: I have a little problem. Im about to see (in case if all is alright than buy it) a car in New York. ...
  A: First off I am not an expert in your state but I will tell you what happens here in MI. You will ...
Title's8/30/2009
  Q: i bought a car and was not aware of the problem at first but the title is rebuilt which isnt a big ...
  A: the simple answer to your question is NO. Some people try to do this and it is illegal. A salvage ...
bought unsafe car8/22/2009
  Q: My husband bought a used 2002 impala and when we took it for a 130 mile drive with the whole family ...
  A: I dont know the laws in your state about this but I belive that if the car has been altered in any ...
buying a new car7/29/2009
  Q: In Oct. I bought a 2004 Chrysler PT. I put $4000 down and still owe more than 7,000 on it. 13% is ...
  A: First of all your current situation is between you and the "dealer" you bought your car from not ...
New USED car...7/10/2009
  Q: :] thanks for the help.. I want to get my first car, I want a 93' civic del sol,(if thats relevent) ...
  A: Down payments are requirements from the banks not the dealership. If your mom's credit score is high ...
new car rebates6/22/2009
  Q: Hey Shane, I recently went shopping for a new vehicle(mazda 5'09), and when discussing rebates with ...
  A: In this case the salesman is correct. The state collects tax based on the sales price not the bottom ...
buying a used car6/19/2009
  Q: ok so im planning on buying a used car that is about 10 miles out of town, what i need to know is ...
  A: Here in Michigan you are allowed to take the most direct trip home after buying a car without having ...
title reassignment5/4/2009
  Q: I have a question about a car I just purchased. The person was a licensed dealer working for a ...
  A: The dealership doesn't pay taxes, you do. The dealer is obligated by the state to collect the tax ...
Pre-Owned BMW dealer rip-off5/2/2009
  Q: Less than two weeks ago, I purchased a 2005 BMW 325 convertible from a BMW dealer in California. The ...
  A: Hey Jason, It sounds like your going about this the right way. I agree that "Fit and Finish" by ...
Pre-Owned BMW dealer rip-off5/1/2009
  Q: Less than two weeks ago, I purchased a 2005 BMW 325 convertible from a BMW dealer in California. The ...
  A: First you are assuming that the dealership scammed you. It is possible that the dealer didn't know. ...
buying a secondhand car from a dealer4/28/2009
  Q: Im from South Africa,Hope you can help,I bought a 2006 vehicle from a dealer.The day when i went to ...
  A: Here in the states only written warranties will hold up in court. The current owner only has a case ...
used car loans?3/9/2009
  Q: Shane, you helped me before. Thanks. I'm ready to go get a used car for around $15,000, and i'll be ...
  A: You should be fine with the down payment you have. The loans that you have been hearing about are ...
Just purchased a used vehicle...3/9/2009
  Q: I bought a 2002 Tahoe last Tuesday. It has now been a week and the dealership is contacting me ...
  A: If you can get that with your bank,do it.The dealer is scrambling, they got nothing. It might even ...
Just purchased a used vehicle...3/9/2009
  Q: I bought a 2002 Tahoe last Tuesday. It has now been a week and the dealership is contacting me ...
  A: Ok, there is no name on the contract which means they are going to "assign"(sell)the contract to "a" ...
Just purchased a used vehicle...3/9/2009
  Q: I bought a 2002 Tahoe last Tuesday. It has now been a week and the dealership is contacting me ...
  A: The dealership did what is known as a "spot" delivery. This is a common practice when the customer ...
Salvage titles2/21/2009
  Q: I bought a 99 Pontiac Grand Prix for roughly $5,000 from a used car dealer. I was informed that the ...
  A: If the dealer disclosed that the car had a salvage title he did nothing wrong. It seems the dealer ...
Title re-assigment2/18/2009
  Q: I am about to purchase a car from a private owner. The tile has been re-assigned by the registered ...
  A: Some state have what is called a "Correction of Title" form that can be filled out to state any ...
returning a vehicle1/18/2009
  Q: I bought an 04 Jeep Grand Cherokee from the dealer for my husband last night. (Saturday evening @ ...
  A: I might not be much help for you in the situation. It is my understanding that you can get the ...
what kind of apr can I expect?1/15/2009
  Q: My credit score is around 650 and i'm looking to buy something used that's 2-4 years old for around ...
  A: Rates are pretty good right now, I would think you will get a rate between 8.25 and 9.25% You are ...
curbstoning or selling an unsafe car1/13/2009
  Q: I recently bought a used car from someone who turns out to be curbstoning cars. Within the first ...
  A: It depends on what state you are in. However there is no warranty on any used vehicle unless it is ...
Delivery of a Vehicle1/12/2009
  Q: My 17 yr old daughter purchased a car n Syracuse, NY and signed a bill of sale while on winter ...
  A: I am sorry to hear of your terrible situation. First I need to know if you bought it from a dealer ...
selling my car12/15/2008
  Q: I just sold my 93 Buick Skylark for $600.00 to Alexandria Harris on December 13th. She had 3 ...
  A: The answer is "no you are not responsible". Any vehicle sold As Is, is just that. Where did the ...
safety issue12/6/2008
  Q: I work for a dealership and I bought a used car from them recently. The car had a really bad ...
  A: First if you don't have it in writing you are in a very difficult spot. Second, do you have a ...
truck with no title11/9/2008
  Q: I have a 2000 Chevy S10 Truck.My Son purchased this truck, I have a bill of sale. The kid that sold ...
  A: You need to go to the DMV with the Bill of sale and the VIN # of the truck. Bring with you the death ...
unsafe car11/7/2008
  Q: I LIVE IN INDIANA AND I RECENTLY BOUGHT A 93 CORSICA FOR A USED CAR DEALERSHIP AND I KNEW WHEN I ...
  A: If you signed an "AS IS" buyers guide than you bought the car in its current condition with no ...
Buying used car9/23/2008
  Q: I am planning to buy a used Nissan 2003 car from a private party. The problem is, I have applied for ...
  A: It sounds like the seller is trying to "jump title" which is illegal in all states. Does your bank ...
Used Car9/23/2008
  Q: I'm in the process of selling my honda, but I seems to have misplaced the title. The car was paid ...
  A: The company who sold you the car isn't the bank. Who was the loan with? If you made payments at the ...
engine oil9/20/2008
  Q: when looking at used cars i took a look at the dipstick to check the oil. it was kinda brown. what ...
  A: The oil should be a little brown in color. You don't want it to be black, black oil means it hasn't ...
interest rate9/2/2008
  Q: my sister in California is looking to buy a car. Her FICO score is 679 it would be on a three year ...
  A: If your sister's name is Judith I just answered this for her. If not than there is a person with the ...
Interest Rate9/2/2008
  Q: I am looking into purchasing a used car and have a FICO score of 679, what interest rate should i ...
  A: The interest rate will depend on 3 variables. Your score, the year of the vehicle and the amount you ...
new car8/26/2008
  Q: What are good used cars.
  A: First you have to decide what size vehicle is right for you. A Crown Vic is a large rear wheel drive ...
apr rates... whats fair on good credit8/14/2008
  Q: im ready to purchase a used vw beetle.. my score 640, my wifes 740... good right?? i was told i ...
  A: Your wife's score is considered Excellent. Your score is average. Most banks will use the highest ...
Car with no title8/7/2008
  Q: I bought a 2001 BWM witha good title. When I went to trade it I found out it had a salvage time, I ...
  A: You can go to www.michigan.gov/sos and read up on what it takes to title a vehicle. You may have to ...
Car with no title8/7/2008
  Q: I bought a 2001 BWM witha good title. When I went to trade it I found out it had a salvage time, I ...
  A: Yes you can get the car titled in another state. Here in Michigan there is no inspection of any kind ...
used car/lemon/no warranty7/23/2008
  Q: If i purchased a used car as is no warranty but they stated they would fix something and i do not ...
  A: Some states have what is called an "Implied Warranty" which means even if the vehicle was "as Is' ...

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Shane

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Expertise

Understanding how your credit report is used when purchasing a vehicle. Understanding the "Simple Interest Contract". When to put money down and why. I can give you some basic questions to ask the dealer befor signing your papers. I can answer about any question you have about buying a used car from a dealer. I am in Michigan and laws do vary from state to state.

Experience

I have been doing Finance for dealers for 12 years, Sub Prime or Special Finance as it is referred to in the buisness. I also have sold cars at Chevy and Ford dealerships for the last 12 years

Education/Credentials
I have finished many schools, clinics and training classes. 12 years of on the job experience.

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