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| Subject | Date Asked |
| I borrowed money to buy truck from x-wifes son | 2/10/2012 |
| 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 transfer | 7/1/2011 |
| 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 pathfinder | 4/12/2011 |
| 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 pathfinder | 4/11/2011 |
| 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 title | 3/24/2011 |
| 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 trade | 2/22/2011 |
| 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 advice | 2/13/2011 |
| 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 advice | 1/26/2011 |
| 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 BRANDS | 1/17/2011 |
| 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 car | 1/14/2011 |
| 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 laws | 12/29/2010 |
| 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 laws | 12/27/2010 |
| 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 vehicles | 12/21/2010 |
| 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 vehicles | 12/21/2010 |
| 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 Camry | 9/11/2010 |
| 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 buying | 6/18/2010 |
| 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 car | 6/2/2010 |
| 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 financing | 5/11/2010 |
| 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 5hours | 4/23/2010 |
| 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 - Michigan | 12/21/2009 |
| 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 move | 11/30/2009 |
| 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 mi | 11/3/2009 |
| 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 person | 9/18/2009 |
| 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's | 8/30/2009 |
| 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 car | 8/22/2009 |
| 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 car | 7/29/2009 |
| 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 rebates | 6/22/2009 |
| 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 car | 6/19/2009 |
| 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 reassignment | 5/4/2009 |
| 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-off | 5/2/2009 |
| 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-off | 5/1/2009 |
| 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 dealer | 4/28/2009 |
| 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 titles | 2/21/2009 |
| 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-assigment | 2/18/2009 |
| 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 vehicle | 1/18/2009 |
| 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 car | 1/13/2009 |
| 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 Vehicle | 1/12/2009 |
| 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 car | 12/15/2008 |
| 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 issue | 12/6/2008 |
| 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 title | 11/9/2008 |
| 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 car | 11/7/2008 |
| 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 car | 9/23/2008 |
| 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 Car | 9/23/2008 |
| 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 oil | 9/20/2008 |
| 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 rate | 9/2/2008 |
| 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 Rate | 9/2/2008 |
| 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 car | 8/26/2008 |
| 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 credit | 8/14/2008 |
| 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 title | 8/7/2008 |
| 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 title | 8/7/2008 |
| 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 warranty | 7/23/2008 |
| 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' ... | |
Top Expert on this page
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.
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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