Guides for buying or leasing your next car

These are the things I end up explaining to almost every client. Read them before you talk to a dealer, or send me the car and I'll handle it.

• How much does a car broker cost?

  Flat fees, percentages and dealer-paid brokers, and why it matters who pays.

• Is a car broker worth it?

  When a broker pays for itself, and when you're better off doing it yourself.

• Florida dealer fees explained: doc fee, tax, tag and title

  Doc fees, sales tax, county surtax, tag and title, and the add-ons you can decline.

• How to get a real out-the-door price before you visit

  What to ask for in writing, and the red flags that mean walk away.

• Leasing a car in Florida: what the numbers mean

  Money factor, residual, cap cost, lease fees and how Florida taxes a lease.

• Buying a car out of state when you live in Florida

  Sales tax, VIN verification, shipping, and how I handle it remotely.