Razib Mozumdar 
Quick Answer A rhythmic clicking when you turn—especially at low speed or during tight turns—most often points to a worn outer CV (constant velocity) joint on a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle. Torn CV boots let grease escape and dirt enter; the joint then clicks under load as the wheels steer. Other possibilities include loose lug … Read more
Quick Answer Yes, you can lease a car after bankruptcy, but approval and terms depend on the type of bankruptcy, how long it’s been since filing or discharge, and your current credit and income. Most lenders want to see steady income, a clean payment history since filing, and—if you filed Chapter 13—written court or trustee … Read more
Quick Answer When buying a used car from a private seller, start with the paperwork: verify the title, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), lien status, and a vehicle history report. Then inspect the car’s physical and mechanical condition and take a thorough test drive. Scan for diagnostic trouble codes, look for signs of flood, crash, or … Read more
Quick Answer For most drivers, the smart move is to put little or nothing down on a car lease. Aim for $0 capitalized cost reduction (no “down payment”) and only pay unavoidable upfront fees like the first month’s payment, acquisition fee, and registration—often called a true sign-and-drive lease. Exceptions include cases where a larger upfront … Read more
Quick Answer A good lease payment reflects a strong discount off MSRP, a high residual value, a low money factor, and minimal cash due at signing. As a quick benchmark for a 36-month, 10,000–12,000 mile-per-year lease with top-tier credit, a strong deal lands around 0.9%–1.2% of MSRP per month (including taxes) with little to no … Read more
Quick Answer The most common reasons a car shakes while driving are wheel and tire issues (imbalance, bent rims, out-of-round tires), brake problems that show up when you stop (rotor thickness variation, stuck caliper), and worn suspension or steering parts (tie rods, ball joints, wheel bearings). Less common but important causes include engine misfires, failing … Read more
Quick Answer December is typically the best month to lease a car. Year-end manufacturer incentives peak, dealers push hard to hit annual targets, and holiday programs often stack on top of regular discounts. Strong alternatives are late August through October during model-year changeovers, when outgoing models see aggressive pricing. Whatever the month, the last few … Read more
Quick Answer To buy a car from a private seller safely, verify the vehicle and the seller before you meet, insist on a thorough inspection and test drive, and handle payment and title transfer in a controlled, documented way. Run a VIN-based history report, check for liens, meet in a public and secure location, use … Read more
Quick Answer Yes, you can negotiate a car lease payment. You can’t change everything—the residual value set by the lender is usually fixed—but you can negotiate the vehicle’s selling price (capitalized cost), the money factor if it’s been marked up, fees and add-ons, incentives, mileage allowance, and how much you pay at signing. The biggest … Read more
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