Test Drive before you Buy.

Buying a used car is all well and good, but just as with anything that costs a similar amount of money, it’s hugely important to ‘try before you buy’. Taking a test drive in a potential purchase before handing over any money is the single greatest way to discover any problems. Here’s how to do it.

Actually finding a car that meets all your requirements in the first place is actually quite easy, especially if you look online. The most popular websites such as Teletextcars have thousands of different listings, and all you need to do is pick the phone up and book a test drive with the relevant people.

While a picture can say a thousand words, it’s not until you get up close and personal with a pre owned auto that you can really see what’s going on. The best advice is to come prepared with the knowledge of any common faults on a specific model, and then go about checking that they aren’t there. Get down on your hands and knees and look for any obvious wear and tear, as well as rust. Inside the cabin, test everything you can possibly get your hands on as this way you won’t be surprised later on when something doesn’t work.

Once out and about on the test drive, it’s a good idea to have a go on all types of roads. Country lanes, town streets and even motorways/freeways should all feature on your route because you’ll be able to see how the motor handles on each of them, and whether you like it or not. After all, there’s no point in spending money on something that’s not nice to drive. Take this time to listen out for any strange engine noises, as well as other things like stiff gears, spongy brakes and abnormal ply in the steering wheel.

Look, the chances are that you’ll have no problems at all when taking a potential purchase for a test drive, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Take the time to find out as much as you can about the car in person, and then make sure you’re totally comfortable behind the wheel. Most pre owned autos are seriously good quality, but always keep a sharp eye to avoid disappointment.

A guest post written by Sam B.

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This one has been updated with new upholstery, radiator, water-pump, condenser, oil change and is ready to go another 100k miles with the right owner.

• 6cyl Automatic
• extended cab seats four
• Bedliner
• Rear sliding window
• CD
• 4×4  4wd
• Alloy rims

This is a sweet ride for the first-time driver, student driver or recreational off-roader. Great basic transportation for the airport car in RENO or snow country. Solid, reliable transportation car, cheap.

Offered as a private party sale, you save $$$money$$$ on sales tax!

Shown by appointment only. No dealer pls. Serious inquiries only.

702-788-3868

Asking $10,999    this is below KBB.com

Dress for Success for Women includes the CAR you DRIVE.

Tips and Tricks for Women Car Buyers:

Remember when women wearing pants in the office was a big deal?  Well, fashion forward to the car you drive makes a huge impact on the professional business community you are doing business with.
As much as “the look” you present; shoes, handbag, jewelry and more…
the men (and women) you are pitching take in the car you are driving as a value statement.
This year in China, more women purchased Ferrari’s than men?
A statement? Absolutuely.
Your car sends the message: YOU are a successful business woman.
The particular brand identifies you as a smart, savvy car shopper who knows what she wants. The car driven is an extension of YOU; for all the right reasons, and those you address… when the client, co-worker, boss, asks if you like you car.

BUYING: New vs. Used Luxury cars.

The car brand is directly linked with status, power, prestige and success, so when you can’t afford a new one, consider leasing or buying pre-owned, or even leasing a pre-owned model if the financials work in your favor.

1. Consider a BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz, Lexus or Acura right now, as these fierce competitors are vying for the number one spot in Luxury Car Sales.  Want to show your UNIQUE, I don’t follow the pack, I lead it… go Jaguar. The deals you see advertised are the deal, so don’t expect to get anything more off the price.
2. Be aware: most dealers will have a VERY limited supply of the ad car.
3. Use this calculation: +$15.00-20.00 per month for every $1000.00 in added features or upgrades. Be prepared to switch, the ad car is always a base model. 
4. 10,000 miles per year is the advertised lease. If you need more miles per year, you can add another $20.00-$25.00 per month for every step up: 12,000 and 15,000 miles per year.
5. If you drive more than 15,000 miles per year, go for the low interest rate purchase/auto loan program. Rates as low as 1.9% are being offered this year.
6. GAP PROTECTION (insurance)  is NOT your regular car insurance. This policy protects you from having to pay-off the entire car and remaining lease payments or any portion of the remaining lease balance the car insurance didn’t cover. It is imperative to have GAP protection on all AUTO LOANS or LEASES where you are putting down a small amount of money, or adding negative equity into the the payment. GAP is usually included in most lease contracts from the auto manufacturer and some banks. ASK who the leasing company is through BEFORE signing.  If the dealer suggests GAP is not included, the additional cost is usually $500.00, but before you pay,  ask to see the actual contract. Look for the words GAP or VEHICLE REPLACEMENT COVERAGE. 
7. USED LUXURY brands also offer leases, which lower the payment yet again, and conserve your cash.  They are usually only offered on CERTIFIED cars sold by the brand dealer. 

Continue reading my MYCARLADY tips and Tricks for Women buying cars here:  TRADE-INS.

If you have any questions concerning your car buying search, need help or free advice, contact me at sarahlee@mycarlady.com or use the form below.
I try to answer every email personally, usually within an hour, PST.

cforms contact form by delicious:days

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Thank you to the loyal followers of this blog who continue to add their stories to the commentary of the love and hate relationship when owning a Dodge Ram 2500-3500 Cummins 6.7L diesel.

Unsuspecting USED DODGE TRUCK BUYERS BEWARE:

As owners get fed-up and trade out, a whole new crop of unsuspecting USED DODGE TRUCK BUYERS are learning the deal may be too good to be true!

Bruce writes: “I am really sorry to read this about the 6.7 cummins engine. I just went and looked at a 2007 Dodge 3500 with a 10′ flat bed with the 6.7, manual transmission, it’s supposed to be under warranty up to 100,000 miles, has a fair price, will I be throwing my money away? Does anybody know if the engines are the same in these “work trucks”? I just am disappointed that Cummins and Chrysler corp, are not making these things right, because if I bought a Ford or Chevy truck with a diesel, I know I would be throwing my money away, what a shame.”

Read what I told Bruce here:

‘Hi Bruce, there are over 150 posts. And comments about how BAD this truck is. Unless you live somewhere that doesn’t smog diesels and you are willing to do another 1000 bucks to delete the dpf, Forget it… If you can do the modifications without issue, then demand another 15% off the price. These trucks are sale-proof.’–slm

Here are just a few of the latest Dodge Ram Cummins Diesel 6.7L complaints posted in the comment section of this blog-website…

William writes: “I have an 08′ outside of consistant trips to the dealer due to power loss, I find little comfort in the semi-availible 350HP. When its in my hands I get the enjoyment of listening symphony that is my truck. I have the entire orchestra, barritones the pop and rattle of the front end, the low tone humm and buzz of the rear end on its way out. The high pitched tone of the brakes squalling. The tenors even pitch in too from time to time to help the harmony with the rattle and shake of the doors. Outside of these minor nusiances I am convinced it is a good truck. On a brighter note I am now getting 13.3mpg up from 12.8mpg. Oh, did I mention my truck has less than 16,000miles and the problems started at 9K. I get horribly sick when I think of my 2001 ext cab 3500 dually, getting 21mpg on the highway and 17mpg on the jobsite with 148,000miles. I miss the rumble and fuel economy of a real truck; but I am doing my part to help the environment by burning more fuel – awesome idea. If you’re thinking of buying a new Ram HD think again – buy used or get a 1500. I have to agree with Dale Spinar, the heck with the EPA.”

 RAY reports: “Lawsuit latest On 6.7 Cummins engines?? > as I have a 2009 2500 6.7 and am getting constant DPF warnings on my ECM..Dealer told me I need to add an Fuel additive ???? Engine was Flashed @ 7,300 Miles and NOW @ 10,105 The DPF warning light has once again appeared–NO POWER >>Truck had to be towed to DEALER!!!!”

Joey has a 2010, he writes: “2010 2500 At 28000 miles I had the O2 cleaned and replaced at 31k had the other O2 replaced now at 33k They replaced the O2 module left the shop went home and as soon as I got in it the next day and hit the highway the check engine popped on. going rounds with the dealership now because the salesman assured me the 07-09 problems had been fixed…well apparently not!!!!! I will never own another Dodge. should have kept my 03 5.9l“

Tom’s 2009 has similar story: “Got the 2009 Dodge Ram 3500. 74,000 now(work truck-average 30-50,000 yr). Broke down along side of road last tues. found fouled fuel injector dumping to much fuel & plugged DPF filter & blew out turbo. Warranty the work. pickup up truck friday-fuel leaking out of fuel rail. back in shop. pickup sat afternoon & engine light back on by monday morning. Now they saying I have contaminated fuel(metal shavings) and i got to pay $1500 to drop & clean fuel tank. Cant guarantee that it will be better after this work. Customer service case manager was like talking t a wall. This is our 5th!!!!! dodge and it will be our last after reading this blog and the result of how they have treated this problem. We all got contaminted fuel?????? please!!!”

and finally from Richard…”I totally agree that the dpf has just about ruined the 6.7 dodge engine. even when you change the engine oil it will be diluted within less than 500 miles. can’t even tell it was changed after a service.
I was getting 9.o pulling my 5th wheel to montana and back.When in town and just short drives 10 max. I removed the dpf left the cat and nox filters. Plate under egr, remove gear from intake throttle plate secure to open position.
I now can go 4000 miles between oil changes even with exhaust brake being used. When I change oil now it stays clean, not black soot. I now get 11.7 towing my 30ft 5th wheel. in town 13.5 to 14. hiway long drives 25 miles, 22 to 24 mpg depends on traffic. I just got back from a trip through Glacier, Yellowstone, and grand tetons 3300 miles. never had a code.
I run a [delete product-programmer] set for 15 sc to clear all codes.
Before I would have to wait 20 t0 30 sec for exhaust to drop below 450 degrees. Now the exhaust temp is always running 150 to 250 degrees lower, never keeps running when turned off now.
I would not trade it for anything. What a super towing truck and a pleasure to drive for every day use without worries of having running problems. I never see any black smoke when towing or just driving,  R

This is just a small sample of the comments and complaints recieved in the past 30-60 days.

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Sarah Lee is a 20 yr. automotive executive writing on all things car related. A huge consumer advocate for better car deals and manufacturer responsibility. This website and the information provided is fueled by donations. If you feel the information provided is helpful, please feel free to contribute by clicking here. Thank You for your support. SLM

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]]> http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/11/04/used-dodge-cummins-6-7l-deal-is-too-good-to-be-true-continues-to-get-complaints/feed/ 1 http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/10/09/car-care-tips-for-fall-winter/ http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/10/09/car-care-tips-for-fall-winter/#comments Sun, 09 Oct 2011 22:05:28 +0000 MYCARLADY http://www.mycarlady.com/?p=5360 MyCarlady offers some important seasonal Car Care tips for winterizing your car.

Now is the time to get your car ready for winter with seasonal changes affecting the care you give your car. Tires, Fluids, Gas and more…

Here are some helpful hints and tips from Sarah Lee of MyCarlady of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Car-anything advice is always free with MyCarlady.

 

Las Vegas Service coupon specials

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Sarah Lee Marks is MyCarlady. She has over 22+ years of experience.
She writes about cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects.
MyCarlady offers free car buying advice, and private, auto-related services to help you maintain your personal or commercial vehicles.
Call Sarah Lee for more information: 702-788-3868
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]]> http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/10/09/car-care-tips-for-fall-winter/feed/ 0 http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/09/05/auto-%e2%80%93-car-loans-for-bad-credit/ http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/09/05/auto-%e2%80%93-car-loans-for-bad-credit/#comments Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:48:10 +0000 MYCARLADY http://www.mycarlady.com/?p=5206

MyCarlady explains “How to GET APPROVED for a Second Chance-Bad Credit Auto Finance Loan.”

Auto – Car loans for Bad Credit

The second half of 2011 should see car buyers seeking an auto or car loan with challenged or BAD credit finding it easier to get approved.  There are several reasons for this but know before you walk onto the car dealership lot that you will need to be prepared with the correct information, down payment and attitude.

CLICK HERE TO GET MYCARLADY’s TOP TEN TIPS TO GETTING APPROVED for a CAR LOAN in today’s lending environment.

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]]> http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/09/05/auto-%e2%80%93-car-loans-for-bad-credit/feed/ 0 http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/09/02/labor-day-sale-used-lexus-las-vegas/ http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/09/02/labor-day-sale-used-lexus-las-vegas/#comments Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:20:14 +0000 MYCARLADY http://www.mycarlady.com/?p=5181

USED LEXUS ES350 RX350 special MyCarlady Labor Day sale Las Vegas, Nevada

(and IS350 coming soon call 800-571-4979 for pre-sale details)

SPECIAL PRICING from MYCARLADY thanks to Gaudin Motor Company!

2008 Pre-owned Lexus RX350 for sale only 48k miles

Auto, Air, Heated seats,

Leather, Moonroof, Wood Interior and Steering Wheel

Bluetooth, Ipod, Navigation, CD Changer,

Lexus 18″ rims and new tread.

One owner,

Super clean, non-smoker.

Financing available.

Trade-ins welcome.

Warranty available.

We ship worldwide.

Call 702-788-3868 or 1-800-571-4979

The latest in luxury, late model, pre-owned , used Lexus models are all available here at GAUDIN MOTOR COMPANY’s LUXURY PRE-OWNED Department.

USED LEXUS ES350 2007 NOW ONLY 22998!

2007 Pre-owned Lexus ES350 for sale from Gaudin Motor Company courtesy of MyCarlady of Las Vegas.

only46,800 miles

Auto, Air, Heated seats,

Leather, Moonroof, Wood Interior and Steering Wheel

Bluetooth, Ipod, Navigation, CD Changer,

Lexus 18″ rims and new tread.

One owner,

Super clean, non-smoker.

We have the nicest, cleanest USED LEXUS trade-ins you will find anywhere.

Disclosure: Sarah Lee works in the social media and reputation management department of Gaudin Jaguar, hence, I get these great deals to pass along to you. This is NOT a commission position. www.gaudinmotorcompany.com 

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]]> http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/09/02/labor-day-sale-used-lexus-las-vegas/feed/ 0 http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/08/30/10-tips-used-car-deals-2011-labor-day-sales/ http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/08/30/10-tips-used-car-deals-2011-labor-day-sales/#comments Wed, 31 Aug 2011 06:11:13 +0000 MYCARLADY http://www.mycarlady.com/?p=5149 Not everyone can afford a BRAND NEW 2011 this Labor Day holiday weekend, so what’s in store for those car shoppers and car buyers anxious to score on a…

USED CAR deal during the 2011 Labor Day sales events?

The good news is Used Car prices for 2011 Labor Day holiday sales have stabilized and LUXURY sedans have actually dropped 5%-10% from 6 months ago.

Looking for an inexpensive used sedan under $10,000.00?

Good luck, so is EVERYONE else, and the nice, low mile, imports are still high by comparison to the domestics.

A 2004 Toyota Camry with 80k miles will bring 1500.00 MORE MONEY than the same year,  model, miles than the comparable Chevrolet Malibu.  Is it justified?

YES, in some cases, certain model year manufacturing at Ford, GM and Chrysler is duly noted for lackluster quality control. Visit CONSUMER REPORTS for the specifics on any particular car or go to www.NHTSA.com for service bulletins, recalls, complaints.

Meanwhile, deals can be found on 2001-2008 Chrysler PT.Cruisers. These are very solid, reliable and versatile hatchbacks that take a hit and are reasonably CHEAP. Not great on gas, but you can pick up a PT with 65k miles for $8000!

10 tips for finding a USED CAR deal this Labor Day sales weekend.

SO the things to remember about shopping the lots this Labor Day weekend hoping to grab a clearance deal…

1. Visit Google, Yelp or DEALERRATER.com to check out the online reputations of the local dealerships in your area.
2. Once you know what dealers to consider, visit their website and click on the SPECIALS!  These are usually cars marked down to their lowest prices already and most internet prices are very competitive to begin with BECAUSE you can easily compare hundreds of cars in the click of a keystroke, and the dealers know it.
3. COMPARE Apples to Apples. BE CAREFUL about believing everything you see on an  online vehicle posting! Dealerships are known to add DISCLAIMERS in small print, i.e. *requires a trade of $5,000.00 or cash equivalent.  If the car you are considering is the cheapest in the bunch, READ the details carefully.
4. Check on the CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED STATUS. IS this a FACTORY CERTIFICATION or a DEALER certification?
   What’s the difference? ALOT!  A dealer can say he did his own certification and the car is up to par and then he sells you an extended service contract from XYZ company.
   A FACTORY CERTIFIED used CAR must meet the original manufacturer’s criteria, can ONLY be offered by a BRANDED dealer licensed to sell that BRAND/MAKE new, and it comes with a warranty which mandates original manufacturer parts, a special low interest rate (for qualified buyers), and the certification is honored at all branded dealership and ASE/ACE shops in the country and (sometimes) Canada. EXAMPLE: PORSCHE.
5. Know your credit rating BEFORE you make an appointment to  test-drive. If you have credit challenges, call the dealership and ask for the fleet or internet manager.  Be direct when inquiring if they have a second chance finance or car loans for people with less than great credit.  The manager will be honest, perhaps asking you to fill out an online credit application prior to arriving at the dealership.  DON’T DO IT> secure your credit score through your bank or credit union and tell the dealer what the AUTO SCORE is.  IF you have trouble getting an AUTO CREDIT SCORE, go into the dealership and do the credit application in person.  Make sure you review the actual report for discrepancies and to see the score for yourself.  Note the credit bureau company on the report: TRANSUNION, EQUIFAX, TRW/EXPERIAN and write down the score. They can’t legally give you a copy but you can take notes, should you decide to go elsewhere in your car search. Limit the number of times your credit report is pulled as each time an inquiry is made, the score drops up to 7 points. UGLY but True.
6.  Once you find the car you want, take the test-drive, do your due diligence and ask to see the title (so you know they actually have it)  and a CARFAX or AUTOCHECK on the car. Look for accidents or discrepancies in the mileage that would trigger some concern.
7. Ask if you can take the car to an independent mechanic before you sign? go to AAA or ask those you know if they have a mechanic-repair shop they trust. Get the car inspected so you know what possible expenses lay in wait.
8.  If you purchase an extended service contract from the dealership, ask if there is a waiting period before you can use it, and if they will pay the deductible if you must use it within 90 days. Most states have a limited used car warranty law.
9. NOTE: There are usually no USED CAR LEMON LAWS to protect you when purchasing a USED CAR from a dealer.
10. GET ALL PROMISES IN WRITING!  Never take delivery of a dark car a night (you can’t see damages) and make sure the vehicle identification number on the actual car matches all the paperwork you are shown (CARFAX) and sign!

If you need any  advice on your Labor Day used car deal this holiday weekend, feel free to contact me using the form below.

1. Your Name(required)
2. Address(required)
3. City(required)
4. State(required)
5. Email(valid email required)
6. Phone(required)
7. I need help, information:(required)

 

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http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/08/30/10-tips-for-2011-labor-day-car-sales-model-year-end/ http://www.mycarlady.com/2011/08/30/10-tips-for-2011-labor-day-car-sales-model-year-end/#comments Wed, 31 Aug 2011 05:19:09 +0000 MYCARLADY http://www.mycarlady.com/?p=5139 Ten Tips to LABOR DAY car sales.

It’s the Wednesday before the biggest Holiday (Labor Day) weekend for car shopping, the annual model year-end clearance events on every dealership in the USA.

However, this year will be different, as pent-up demand and a roller-coaster stock market have sent car buyers into showrooms in record numbers, hoping to score a deal on the last of the 2011 models.

2011 Nissan Juke

Surprise! There isn’t much in 2011 year-end model left-overs to pick from and 2012’s are not plentiful either.  Cars like the new 2012 Camry actually went UP over $1000.00 in base price over the 2011, so dealers are touting the difference to be an extra $1000 bucks in savings without handing you a rebate voucher!   So what should you do to insure you get the deal you want on the car you want this Labor Day?

Here is MYCARLADY’s 10 Tips for getting the best deal during 2011 Labor Day holiday model year-end car sales clearance events.

1. List the top 3 new car models you want, and list the must have features and optional colors for each model.
2. Get online and search the manufacturer’s website for the dealerships within 100 mile(or more if you are willing to travel further).  Also research available incentives. IF you don’t see the incentives, and rebates listed,  go to www.edmunds.com and look-up your car, find the incentives button and add the information to your vehicle worksheet.
3. Go to each dealership website and see if they have the car in stock, or something as close to your wish list as possible.
   Print out all the appropriate vehicles. DO NOT CONTACT THEM YET!
4. Look up the dealership on YELP, GOOGLE/maps or DEALERRATER.com and read the reviews. be sure this is a place you want to do business with. Delete the dealership from your list if the negatives outweigh the positives by 75%. Remember happy people rarely rant. But good service reviews are a big plus if the place is likely to be the one you do your service with.  Negative sales reviews are worth considering, but notably, there is always 3 sides to a complaint, so if the dealership responded to the complaint on the review site, consider it a wash.
5. Take your individual car sheets and create a score card by giving each car a merit point for positives: 1)right color. 1)top features  1)proximity.  Add up the scores.
6. Now EMAIL, or call and ask to speak to the INTERNET or FLEET manager of the dealer with your top 3 car choices.
   Ask if the specific car (by stock #) is still available.  If it isn’t available,  ask if they are willing to dealer trade for a car you found at a far away location. (Some dealers will not trade at this late a date in the year BECAUSE they have no stock to give back.
7. This process should eliminate wasted time and gas, hunting down the right car. It will also keep you from settling for the wrong car, although color should not be a deal killer.  (Also note, stay away from off colors that will reduce resale value at trade-in time.)
8. Make an appointment to test drive the car. Early morning appointments are best. It’s easier to get in and out of the dealership.
9. Check your credit score by going to www.annualcreditreport.com or contacting your bank/credit union. Find out what your bank will offer you for amount, term and interest rate, so you can compare with the dealership and auto manufacturers offers.   0%-2.9% may not be the right answer if the cash rebate is worth more. When  you know your budget, credit score and down payment ahead of the visit, you should be able to make a deal quickly.
10. GOT A TRADE?  WHAT’S MY CAR WORTH?  go to kbb.com and click the button.  Then take $1500.00 off the trade-in number for reconditioning and service because that’s where the dealership will probably be. DON’T LOSE YOUR TAX CREDIT!  This number is in addition to the net tax value. Not sure what it’s worth or how to include it in the negotiation? Contact MYCARLADY for an honest, independent opinion.

2011 Model year-end closeout sales may not be the best deal for you!

If you can’t find the 2011 car you want in a Labor Day leftover, be prepared to consider a 2012.  IF the deal is within $2000.00 net of the 2011, BUY IT!

If the 2012 isn’t available considering ordering it from the dealer you like the best. You must be willing to be patient and wait, but the rebates will show up by the time the car arrives. Expect a 2012 order to take 12 weeks min.

MORE ARTICLES ON LABOR DAY MODEL YEAR END CAR SALES CLICK HERE

ANOTHER ARTICLE ON 2011 HOLIDAY REBATES AND CLOSE-OUT YEAR_END

TOYOTA, HONDA, DODGE and others…YEAR-END REBATES AND INCENTIVES

If you need more advice, contact MYCARLADY: sarahlee@mycarlady.com

BTW: Coming to Las Vegas for the Labor Day Holiday weekend? Are you renting a car from Thrifty Car Rental for your summer vacation?   READ HERE BEFORE YOU RENT!

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She has over 22+ years of experience.
She writes about cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects.
MyCarlady offers private, auto-related services to help you maintain your personal or commercial vehicles.
Call Sarah Lee for more information: 702-788-3868
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