How to Stay Sane When Shopping for a New Car

If you Google "car buying tips for women", about 66 million results show up.  

A quick scan down the first page (let's be honest, who goes past the first page on Google anymore?) and you will see links to stories featuring the following titles: 

• "What a Woman Needs to Know When Buying a Car" - this one will get under your skin as author Fadra Nally notes, "Women are treated differently when buying a car."
• "Help for Women Car Shoppers"
• "A Woman's Guide to Scoring a Smokin' Car Deal"

You get the idea.  Getting a car is tough enough.  Even tougher for many of us women.  It's a frustrating and often overwhelming process.  

Beth Anne Underwood told me on Twitter: "They thought I was shopping with Daddy's money." 

Ouch.

Beth Anne didn't feel like she was taken seriously when she was shopping for a car.  That is something no one should experience. 

The experience is remarkably different from Beth Anne's for clients, both male and female, who got their cars through D&M Leasing.  

D&M Leasing client Holly Kyle with her new 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek

My own leasing experience was outstanding.  The thing is that my experience is the norm, not the exception. 

Thank you, Jared Smith, for restoring my faith in car guys! I felt like you really listened to what I needed and made it as stress-free as possible. I could not have asked for a better experience using D&M! When the hubs is ready for his new wheels, we'll definitely be giving you a call!  --Dee Hunt

That testimonial from client Dee Hunt sounds like hundred's of others you will find on D&M Leasing's Facebook page or Twitter feed. 

Getting a car is truly that easy.  D&M Leasing brings the car to you and makes the paperwork a snap. But don't make my word for it.  Read what other clients had to say via D&M Leasing's Facebook page:

Patricia Bossy-t Wright Bought two cars through D&M ... They will help restore your credit. Douglas Wright awesomeness wrapped in great personal service!

Kristin Pierson Payne My husband and I just bought a vehicle from D&M Leasing. This was the first time dealing with them and it was a great experience!! We definitely will be coming back and recommending all our friends too!!!!

A D&M Leasing Fan

Kristi Belden Darracq I have leased 5 cars through D&M Leasing. Call Keitha Munday....she's awesome!!

Tonya Cornelius Johnson I really like the relationship that we had with D&M Leasing our sale rep came to our home with a 2011 Cadillac SUV love it....I'm driving it now....this is a good avenue to go if you want to drive a luxury brand car....leasing is a better way too go!!!

Patti Koehler Hark Love love D&M Leasing. We love our new 2013 Chevy Impala! Raymond with D&M was amazing!!! 

Another D&M Leasing Fan

Delores' story is one of remarkable customer service.  That's what everyone receives when using D&M Leasing.  

Still unsure about the process?  Give D&M Leasing a look on Facebook.  They're transparent, quick to respond to any question you might have and are ready to take the pain out of the car buying process.  

*This article is brought to you by D&M Leasing. Please visit DMAutoLeasing.com for more information.

Secrets of Female Car Buyers From an Industry Pro

Lisa Carr was destined to be in the car leasing business. 

Say her name out loud.  Right now.  

Get it?  Lisa. Carr.  Yes, that's her real name.  

Granted, Carr isn't her maiden name but she has been married to her husband, Bill, for 30 years with whom she has two children, Kristin and Will.  She's been in the automobile industry for 33 years and is still going strong as the Director of Agent Development for D&M Leasing.

As she has grown in this industry, she's seen it evolve particularly as it relates to the buying power women have. 

Lisa Carr and Gina Miller

"I think women are getting in the driver's seat, so to speak," Carr told me one day at D&M Leasing's North Dallas office.  "In years past, women were in the passenger seat and giving their opinions.  Now they're making decisions." 

The facts back up her observation.  Women buy more than half of the new cars in the U.S. and influence up to 80% of all car purchases according to a Women-Drivers.com. 

What's interesting is the way women approach acquiring a car.  

"Women these days are not only thinking about where they are right now but they also have the vision to go 36-48 months down the road and wonder 'Where will I be at that point? What are my driving needs? How are they going to change?  Am I going to be in a flexible enough situation to move seamlessly to one situation in my life and then another?"

Think about it: a single woman gets married, has a kid and needs a bigger car or a stay-at-home mom's kids start school and that mom doesn't need the large mini-van.  The needs change.  Lisa believes women have the foresight to consider these things when looking for a car. 

"Females have a clear direction on the fact that what's happening in their life right now may not be happening in their life in 48 months." 

As Lisa was explaining this to me, I felt she like was describing me to a T.  I am always that "what-if" kind of person.  Perhaps more pessimistically put: I examine potential negative consequences.  It's the reporter in me.

There is a certain amount of moxie one must have when working in a competitive industry like the car leasing business. For inspiration Lisa turns to one of my favorites, Nolan Ryan.

She has two pictures of his more "infamous" moments over her desk: the shot of him pummeling Robin Ventura and a picture of a bloody Ryan taken just after Bo Jackson hit a line drive which nailed Ryan in the mouth.

"I think of those pictures a lot when I'm dealing with something," Lisa says smiling.  "I say bring it!" 

She's a woman after my own heart. 

Because I had to know...

Lisa is a self-professed car geek.  She loves everything about them.  I had to know what her absolute favorite one was to drive.  She answered without hesitation. 

"A 2005 Red Ford Thunderbird Convertible.  It was a surprise from my husband for our 25th wedding anniversary," she beamed. 

2005 Ford Thunderbird Convertible/Courtesy: TFLCar.com

Not a bad gift! 

*This article is brought to you by D&M Leasing. Please Visit DMAutoLeasing.com for more information.

Is Buying a Car Really Like Getting a Root Canal?

I recently read a story equating the car buying process to getting a root canal.  The only difference is that car salesman don’t give you laughing gas or novocaine to numb the pain.  They seem to inflict more of it.

As it relates to me, I am a car flipper.   I have never kept a car more than a few years.   I would buy a vehicle, get bored with it after two years and want to trade it in for a new one.  While I was never “upside down” in my car, I don’t think I made smart purchase decisions.

Friends consistently asked why I didn’t lease a car.  Frankly, I never thought leasing was an option.  I am someone who puts 15,000-plus miles on my car per year traipsing from Frisco to Arlington to Downtown Dallas to Fort Worth and beyond covering sports in DFW.  I thought I would get tripped up in the mileage game.