Bill Rosen's lifetime love of cars began early as he trailed behind his dad on Saturday morning adventures to local wrecking yards and auctions. Growing up in Southern California, Rosen worked on his 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 in his high school auto shop, and then cruised and street-raced on weekends along the Hermosa Beach strand. After completing a two-year automotive technology certificate program, Rosen focused his attention on the classroom as a high school English teacher. Going on to complete a master's degree, Rosen taught communication studies at the college level, served as a school principal, and later as a director of human resources for a large school district. Rosen credits his practical used car buying and selling knowledge to three things. First, the need to sell the 30 cars he inherited from his dad. Second, to those lean years as a high school teacher buying and selling cars on the side to make ends meet. And finally, to his years spent in labor-management and contract negotiations. Bill Rosen makes his home in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with his beloved wife of 38 years.
Like many people, I get anxious and uncomfortable purchasing and selling vehicles. Through this book, Rosen draws on years of experience and knowledge to enable people like me to buy or sell a used vehicle from a position of strength. When getting involved in the used car market, I have often wished I had an expert friend there with me to guide me through that daunting process - this book has become that expert friend. Whether you are seeking to flip cars for a profit or are simply looking for help in the occasional car purchase or sale, this fun and practical book will be a tremendously valuable tool. -Mark E. A true A-Z encyclopedia of knowledge and wisdom, this handbook should be considered reference material for anyone who loves cars and wants to learn more about how to make real money in that market. I've been actively buying and selling used cars for over 20 years, and can honestly say that there is real money to be earned, and this book covers everything you need to know! -Toby S. In my business I regularly buy and sell, only in a different field. Bill's Guide: Buying and Selling Used Cars clarified many of the things I've seen, but had not taken the time to hammer out systematically. Reading this book before heading out to the dealerships was eye-opening, especially as the salesmen's well-practiced strategies challenged my desires and my budget. With that knowledge and by exercising the skills Rosen taught, I came away with the vehicle I actually wanted at 20% below book value. That is true ROI! -Karen A. One of the most important things Rosen's book does is counter the presumption of shadiness that surrounds used cars buying and selling in many people's minds. The author not only acknowledges this, but then teaches how to buy and sell both successfully and ethically. Also, the beautiful chapter on negotiation alone is worth the price of the book. -Kevin M. A soup-to-nuts guide to the ins and outs of buying and selling cars. Ideal for anybody looking to make some extra money or is simply in the market for a second-hand car. This book contains useful tips, and the author's experiences in car inspections, preparing a car for sale, negotiations and the legal side of making the deal. A useful tool to help you make the most out of the car-buying or selling experience. -Stacey H. I just finished reading Bill's Guide: Buying and Selling Used Cars and encourage other consumers to read it. . . . Mr. Rosen's talent in delivering such detailed content in an organized way, and adding humorous stories, made for easy reading and yes, easy marking up for later reference. -Nancy M. Methodical and practical, this fantastic book takes you step by step through the car buying and selling process with enough detail to make it accessible to anyone. Whether you are looking to pick up a new hobby, or just looking to replace your current vehicle, this book has something for everyone. I'm certainly going to be using it as a reference in the near future when I upgrade to a bigger vehicle for my family. -Chris S. Bill's Guide explains the many ways one can acquire a vehicle, develop the skills needed to get it ready to sell, and how to turn a surprising profit for minimal investment of time and financial resources. Written in a conversational style, Rosen's love for all things automotive is interspersed with interesting stories that illustrate his ideas. A worthwhile investment of time and money, Bill's Guide will be welcomed by the budding car buyer, the sage of the car auction, and even the ""non-car guy."" -Chris W.