Making Car Sense

Bought a used car that turned out to be a lemon? In this episode, Debra shares the exact steps to take when a used car purchase goes wrong—from documenting issues to taking action with the seller and beyond. Based on her real-life experience recovering money from two lemon cars, this episode gives you clarity, direction, and options. You’re not stuck—and you’re not alone. 

In this episode of Making Car Sense, Debra walks you through the early warning signs that your used car may be a potential lemon. From strange noises and warning lights to problems that appear within days of purchase, you’ll learn how to recognize when something is truly wrong—and how to address that queasy feeling: “Did I just buy a lemon?”Debra also breaks down how to verify what you actually bought using vehicle history reports and why it’s important to communicate with the seller or dealer. Along the way, she shares her own experience with not one—but two used car lemons… lemonade anyone?

In this episode of Making Car Sense, Debra walks you through the critical first steps after buying a used car—steps that can protect your safety, your finances, and the life of your vehicle. From confirming your insurance and checking your paperwork to getting an independent mechanic inspection and understanding state inspection requirements, this episode helps you avoid costly mistakes right after purchase.You’ll also learn what to keep in mind if you’ve purchased a hybrid or electric vehicle.Ownership starts now!

Buying a car doesn’t end at the dealership — the cost of insurance can quickly change what you can actually afford. In this episode of Making Car Sense, Debra Givens explains why car insurance surprises so many buyers and what factors really determine your rate. You’ll also learn common mistakes to avoid and how to stay in control of your total car budget. If you’re planning to buy a car, this episode can help you avoid costly surprises.

In this episode of Making Car Sense, Debra Givens exposes the different types of dealer fees, and, in using real examples and a personal story from her own car-buying experience, Deb breaks down how these fees appear in a contract and what buyers can do to stay in control of the final price.In this episode you’ll learn:• The difference between legitimate government fees and dealer markups • Why documentation fees are often misunderstood • Common add-on charges dealerships try to include in contracts • How dealer fees can add $900–$1,500 or more to the price of a used car • The simple negotiation strategy that keeps buyers in controlIf you’re shopping for a used car, this episode could save you serious money.

Is paying cash for a car always the smartest move—or can financing sometimes work in your favor? In this episode of Making Car Sense, Debra Givens breaks down the real math behind cash vs. financing and explains why knowing your numbers matters more than assumptions. You’ll learn how interest rates, total loan cost, and your walk-away number shape the deal—and how to stay in control before signing anything. Because when you understand the numbers, you don’t just buy a car—you make car sense. 

There are so many choices for where to go to buy a used car - it's not just the dealership or online!  Host Debra Givens gives brief examples of sources for used car, who they're best for, and what the risks and rewards may be.  With quick assignments designed to help you get clear on your used car buying hunt and goal, this episode series continues to assist used car buyers in their preparation for buying that used car, in the car buying game, and in emerging as a winner!

"What Tactics by car salespeople are out there that will jam me?"  What to know before you go... Making Car Sense reveals seven (7) of the tactics used by dealership salespeople that tip the car deal in their favor.  Armed with awareness and five (5) tools host Debra Givens offers, would-be used car buyers are on their way to being prepared for their next used car purchase!

What’s the biggest mistake people make when buying a used car?It’s not choosing the wrong model.It’s not bad credit.It’s walking in unprepared.In this episode of Making Car Sense, Debra Givens shares the hard-earned lesson that changed everything: why urgency works against you, how dealerships control “the moment,” and why knowing your walkaway number is your greatest power.If you’ve ever felt that sinking regret after signing — or you’re about to shop for a car — this episode is your seatbelt.Because people who walk… win.

Making Car Sense introduction and mission. Host Debra Givens (A Better Day, A Better Life) created this podcast to help listeners and potential car buyers to cut through confusion and uncertainty to WIN the used car buying game. She explains how and why she saw a need for a show like this, offering her own experience with buying used cars, and what she hopes to bring to listeners that can turn timidity into confidence, uncertainty into surety and confusion into educated.