The test drive begins with your initial encounter with the vehicle rather than the drive itself. Consider these questions: Read More »

There are many factors to be considered when considering a lease contract -- besides your monthly payments! How much a month? This may seem the most important question to ask, but with a lease it is important to look at other factors that can affect the overall cost to you. In the excitement of purchasing a new vehicle, it can be easy to overlook the total expenditure. Read More »

Buyers often underestimate the importance a salesperson and dealership play in their long-term satisfaction. When shopping for a new vehicle it is easy to get caught up in price and financing, and fail to see the big picture. With the incredible amount of information available many people are able to do a lot of their car shopping ahead of time, yet give no thought to the actual dealership experience. Dealers and salespeople are not all the same. Read More »

I was perhaps trying to rush the sale when dealing with a nice young family who wanted to purchase a new van that very evening. We sat at my desk discussing options, their driving habits and a range of budget. The sale was progressing smoothly. The next step was getting them to test drive the actual vehicle they would own. Like a good salesperson I did not drag them onto the lot. I would "jewel" the car, much like a jeweler will only take one ring out of the case for a customer to evaluate. Read More »

Recently a reader wrote in saying that she was considering buying a new car from a dealership in her neighborhood. She liked the vehicle, liked the features and actually like the salesperson. But the car seemed to have a lot of miles on it for new vehicle, about 150. Read More »

Do you have a friend in the auto business? Can they get you a deal on a car or get you inside information? Whether you do or don't, be sure and do an independent check of the price you are quoted to make sure that not only is it below the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) but that it comes close to the real invoice price. The automobile is now the most expensive product most Americans will ever buy. So it pays to invest in some investigative work to find the best price and financing deal available. Read More »

Q. My wife and I are going to buy a car. Can you give us some tips? Read More »

Recently I spoke at length with Dick Welte, president and CEO of the NFADA (Niagara Frontier Automobile Dealers Association), a post that Dick has held for the past 29 years. We discussed the car business -- how it has changed and where he saw it going. Here are the highlights of Dick's insights. Read More »

How to figure the luxury tax on a vehicle. Read More »

The automotive industry is very aware of the needs of families and always looks toward new products to serve this market. Here are a few new introductions and option not always considered. Read More »