Razib Mozumdar 
Quick Answer Dealer markup on a new car is any amount a dealership adds above the vehicle’s MSRP or above its own cost (invoice) to increase profit. It often appears as a “market adjustment” line on the window sticker or buyer’s order, and it can also be baked into mandatory accessories or protection packages. Markups … Read more
Quick Answer If your car is overheating even though it has coolant, the cooling system likely isn’t circulating or holding pressure. Usual causes include a stuck thermostat, inoperative cooling fans, trapped air after a refill, a weak water pump, a clogged radiator, or a bad radiator cap. Less obvious faults—like a head gasket leak or … Read more
Quick Answer Yes, you can lease a car for 48 months, but availability and value depend on the brand, model, and lender. Four-year leases usually deliver lower monthly payments than 24- or 36-month terms, yet total costs can be higher due to extra finance charges, added maintenance, and the possibility of being outside the factory … Read more
Quick Answer Yes, you can lease a car for 24 months. Most automakers and leasing banks offer two-year terms alongside 36- and 39-month options. A 24-month lease keeps you in a newer car with a shorter commitment and minimal repair exposure, though monthly payments are often higher than a comparable 36-month lease. The right choice … Read more
Quick Answer Yes, you can lease a car for 12 months, but true one-year leases are rare through mainstream dealerships. Most drivers who want a year-long arrangement end up with a lease assumption (taking over the final 12 months of someone else’s lease), a car subscription, or a long-term rental. Expect higher monthly payments than … Read more
Quick Answer MSRP stands for Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price—the “sticker price” the automaker recommends a dealer charge for a vehicle. It’s a starting point, not the final price. Depending on supply, incentives, and dealer practices, you might pay below MSRP, at MSRP, or above it. What you actually owe is the out-the-door price, which adds … Read more
Quick Answer On most mainstream new cars in a balanced market, a realistic negotiation target is 4–8% below MSRP before applying rebates and incentives. Hot, low-supply models may yield only 0–3% off, while outgoing model years or oversupplied vehicles can reach 8–12% off or more. Always negotiate to an out-the-door (OTD) price and stack any … Read more
Quick Answer If you go over the mileage limit on a car lease, you’ll pay an excess mileage fee for each mile above your allowance when you return the vehicle. The rate is set in your lease contract—commonly $0.15 to $0.30 per mile for mainstream vehicles and higher on luxury or specialty models. You can … Read more
Quick Answer To negotiate the price of a new car, research the vehicle’s invoice and real-world market price, then request itemized out-the-door (OTD) quotes from several dealers’ internet sales departments. Focus the negotiation on OTD price, keep your trade-in and financing separate, use a preapproved loan as leverage, and be ready to walk. Time your … Read more
Quick Answer Most car leases offer 7,500 to 15,000 miles per year, with 10,000 and 12,000 as common defaults and 15,000 as a popular upgrade. High-mileage options of 18,000–20,000 miles exist with some lenders, while “unlimited miles” leases are rare and expensive. If you exceed your allowance, typical excess mileage fees run about 15–25 cents … Read more