Washington, D.C., Bureau Chief
Fred Meier
D.C. Bureau Chief Fred Meier, who lives every day with Washington gridlock, has an un-American love of small wagons and hatchbacks.
Continuously variable transmissions allow the engine of a car to continuously operate in its most effective rpm range.
By Fred Meier
June 8, 2026
Getting preapproved means that you shop around for the lowest-cost car loan that meets your needs and have that loan in your pocket before you shop for your best deal on the vehicle.
By Fred Meier
July 8, 2025
Wheel warming has gone mainstream, with the feature standard or optional not just on luxury vehicles, but on an increasing number of models with sticker prices of $40,000 or less.
By Fred Meier
February 12, 2025
You can buy a car with a credit card, but it won’t be easy and, for many buyers, it’s not a great idea.
By Fred Meier
October 21, 2024
You can lease a car if you have spotty credit, but it won’t be easy — and you probably won’t get the alluringly low lease payments you see advertised.
By Fred Meier
October 15, 2024
It’s no secret that there’s a shortage of used cars right now, but does that mean now is a good time to buy out your lease? Learn more about your options here.
By Fred Meier
October 14, 2024
Most automaker finance units and third-party financial institutions will grant a one-time extension of a car lease, generally by 12 months or fewer.
By Fred Meier
October 7, 2024
Buying a vehicle that’s been returned on a lease is a good way to get a relatively new and lightly used car, one that might even have some of the factory warranty remaining.
By Fred Meier
October 3, 2024
Here’s what you need to know about the revised electric vehicle tax credit overhaul passed in the summer of 2022 and phasing in now.
By Fred Meier
October 3, 2024
It’s relatively easy to trade in a car or sell a car on which you still owe money — in most cases, it requires just a few extra steps.
By Fred Meier
September 16, 2024