Car Finance

Swapalease Review: Is it worth trying?

Here’s my honest review of Swapalease. The platform offers a way to connect people who want to get rid of their lease with those who are looking to take over a lease. Swapalease claims to facilitate quick and easy lease transfers as the largest automotive lease marketplace. But is it really that simple? The answer […]

How to Get Short-Term Car Leases Guide [What You Need to Know]

Yes, you can get a 1 year car lease, a 6 month car lease, and even a 3 month car lease. But is it actually a good idea? Let’s look at the pros and cons of a short-term car lease. But first… What is a Short-Term Car Lease? Leasing a car is similar to renting […]

GAP Car Insurance: Why You Should Avoid

If you’re looking to save money when buying a car, consider not purchasing gap car insurance (also called gap protection). Many websites (and, of course, the Finance Department at a car dealership) will try to scare you into thinking it’s a necessity, but I try to provide a more objective opinion. Salesmen will tell you […]

Refinance Your Car Loan – Estimate Your Savings (Calculator)

See how much money you can save using this car loan refinancing calculator. Auto Refinance Calculator This calculator provides an estimate of your car payment but accuracy is not guaranteed and may not reflect all fees and taxes. If you are looking to determine your monthly payment for a brand new auto loan, use this […]

Negotiating Car Dealer Add-On’s & Accessories

So you’ve learned how to negotiate a new car and think that guarantees you a good deal. Well think again! Did you know a majority of a car dealer’s profit comes from fees and add-ons in the Finance Office? Dealerships want you to think the hard part is over and that it’s time to let your guard down. But as you’re […]

What is Dealer Holdback: An In-depth Look

Dealer holdback is a percentage of the price of a new car, typically 2-3% of MSRP, that is returned to a dealer from the manufacturer after a car is sold. It’s important to know that holdback is typically not up for negotiation and not all manufacturers even provide it to dealers. Holdback is money used […]

Making sense of car dealer costs: a car terms glossary

Car manufacturers and dealers purposely hide their cost structure from the general public. Their intent is to make it difficult for average folks to evaluate a car purchase. The car industry makes more money if you can’t determine what is a fair deal. To help shed some light on the subject, here is a car […]

How to Use a Vehicle Escrow Service (Protect Yourself from Auto Fraud)

If you’re buying a used car from a local dealership you probably do not have to worry about payment fraud. The dealership has a physical location, plenty of cars in inventory, and a lot to lose by stealing your money. But when buying a used car from an unknown private party or dealership online, you […]

Coronavirus Car Payment Assistance Programs

Almost all major car manufacturers are offering payment relief programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are offered in the form of deferred payments on new vehicles, payment extensions, and lease extensions. Many will also waive any late fees for an extended period of time. (these are discounts for everyone, not to mention those discounts for […]

Buying vs Leasing a Car: A Comprehensive Guide

Not surprisingly, many people don’t understand all the reasons why you might buy versus lease a car. If your parents always got cars one way, there’s a good chance you’ll do the same without considering both choices. But there are compelling arguments for each option. Not everyone is in the same boat and there are several questions […]