Car Buying Blog 2025: Expert Advice From a Retired Car Dealer
Welcome to my Car Buying Blog — smart tips, expert advice, and a touch of humor for every car shopper.
Recent Articles
- 5 Warning Signs of a Problematic Used Car
- 10 Red Flags I Ignored While Buying My Last Car (Don’t Make My Mistakes)
- Identifying Good vs. Bad Car Dealerships
- What Is a Car Loan Pre-Qualification—and Why You Should Do It Online
- 10 Tips for Avoiding Common Driving Distractions
- Buying a Car in 2026 Be Like: Would You Like to Subscribe or Own It?
- What Does “Out-the-Door” Price Mean When Buying a Car?
- Can AI Outsmart Car Dealers? We Put It to the Test
5 Warning Signs of a Problematic Used Car
in Car Buying TipsThink that used car is a steal? Watch out for these 5 warning signs that could cost you thousands down the road.
10 Red Flags I Ignored While Buying My Last Car (Don’t Make My Mistakes)
in Car HumorI consider myself a pretty savvy car buyer—especially after years in the auto industry. But no one’s immune to a well-trained salesperson and the intoxicating smell of “new car.” The last time I bought…
Identifying Good vs. Bad Car Dealerships
in Car Buying Tips, Car Pricing & ResearchNot all car dealerships are created equal. Some are transparent, professional, and customer-focused—others, not so much. Whether you’re shopping for a new or used vehicle, identifying…
What Is a Car Loan Pre-Qualification—and Why You Should Do It Online
in Car Buying TipsPre-qualification gives you a snapshot of what car loan terms you might qualify for—without hurting your credit. And when done online, it empowers you with multiple offers, price transparency, and…
10 Tips for Avoiding Common Driving Distractions
in Driving & MaintenanceDistracted driving isn’t just texting anymore. It’s TikTok, Spotify battles, spilled caramel lattes, in-car touchscreens with 47 options—and, somehow, still texting. The modern vehicle may be…
Buying a Car in 2026 Be Like: Would You Like to Subscribe or Own It?
in Car HumorRemember when buying a car meant signing some papers and driving off into the sunset? Fast forward to 2025 and now the dealer asks, “Would you like to subscribe to this vehicle, or do you want to…
What Does “Out-the-Door” Price Mean When Buying a Car?
in Car Buying Tips, Car Pricing & ResearchWhen it comes to buying a new or used car, numbers can be deceiving. You might see a low sticker price advertised online or hear a smooth-talking salesperson quote an affordable…
Can AI Outsmart Car Dealers? We Put It to the Test
in Car Buying Tips, Car Pricing & ResearchCar dealerships have always had the upper hand. Salespeople are trained to control the conversation, hide profit margins, and pressure buyers into fast decisions. However, the playing field is changing—thanks to artificial intelligence.
7 Bad Driving Habits That Will Ruin Your Engine
in Driving & MaintenanceThere we are, parked in front of a greasy service garage, our car wheezing like a lifelong smoker sprinting uphill. The mechanic saunters over, wiping his hands on a rag already filthier than our…
10 Unwritten Rules of the Road Every One Knows
in Car HumorIf you’ve driven for more than 15 minutes in your life, you’ve met him. That Guy. The one whose entire purpose behind the wheel is to remind us that human civilization is, at best, a delicate…
Can a Dealer Legally Charge More Than MSRP?
in Car Buying Tips, Car Pricing & ResearchLet’s imagine you’re at a dealership. You spot your dream car. It’s shiny, it’s fast, it’s red—and it’s more expensive than the MSRP. Confused? You’re not alone. Many buyers wonder if it’s even legal…
Check Engine Light: Causes and Fixes
in Driving & MaintenanceYou know that sinking feeling. You’re driving along, maybe humming your favorite song, when a tiny amber icon blinks to life on your dashboard. The dreaded check engine light. It’s vague, passive-aggressive…
Keeping Cool in a Hot Car Without A/C
in Car HumorDriving a car without air conditioning in the summer feels a lot like signing up for a mobile sweat lodge — one that’s rolling down the highway with the windows down and your dignity hanging by a damp…
14 Reasons Your Car Loan Was Denied
in Car Buying TipsWe’ve all been there—heart set on a shiny car, dreams of a cross-country road trip, only to have the dealership call and say, “Your loan application didn’t go through.” Oof. If you’ve ever had a car loan denied…
8 Types of Car Buyers That Get the Worst Car Deals
in Car Buying TipsLet’s be honest — buying a car is rarely about logic. It’s about smell. That new car smell, yes. It’s about that giddy swirl of leather, plastic, and financial regret that hits us harder than the dealership’s…