Wes Kowalski
Car buying, negotiation, and financing — the dealership from the inside
Detroit, MI
Wes Kowalski spent nine years selling new and used cars before switching sides to explain how the dealership actually works. He covers buying, negotiation, and financing for Motors & Minds — the scripts, the add-ons, and the number you should really be paying. Based in Detroit.
What Wes covers
- New vs used decisions
- Negotiating price, trade-in, and financing
- Avoiding F&I add-on traps
- Reading a fair-price number
- Buying used without getting burned
Articles by Wes
-
Cheapest Cars to Maintain: 11 Reliable Models That Won't Break the Budget
Real maintenance costs for 11 reliable, affordable-to-own cars. Compare parts prices, labor rates, and total ownership costs backed by NHTSA and J.D. Power data.
-
How to Avoid Dealer Add-Ons: What to Refuse and When to Walk
Dealer add-ons can inflate your car price by $900–$1,500. Learn which fees to refuse, F&I office tricks to spot, and when gap insurance is actually worth it.
-
How to Negotiate a Car Price: The Dealer-Side Playbook Exposed
Learn how to negotiate a car price from a former car salesman. Get the out-the-door number, realistic MSRP discounts, and used-car tactics that work.
-
New vs Used Car: Which Is Better? The Honest Cost Breakdown
Should you buy new or used? We break down depreciation, total cost, CPO warranties, and when each option actually saves money over 5–7 years.
-
The True Cost of Owning a Car: What You'll Really Pay
Real numbers on what car ownership costs per year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, and maintenance. What most buyers don't budget for.