Buying a used car isn’t settling for less. For a prepared Black buyer, it’s one of the smartest wealth-building moves you can make.
In Episode 11 of The Color of Our Money Is Green, host Roosevelt Gist and co-host Roosevelt break down the used car market from start to finish. Kelley Blue Book says many new cars lose 20 percent or more of their value in the first year. The first owner absorbs that loss. A prepared used car buyer keeps it.
You’ll learn the four places to buy a used car: franchised dealers, independent lots, certified pre-owned programs, and private sellers. We explain what the FTC Buyer’s Guide in the window really means, and why it can override your sales contract.
Then we walk through the five-step research plan to finish before you ever contact a seller. Set fair market value, pull a vehicle history report, check open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, compare ownership costs, and get pre-approved by a Black-owned bank or credit union. That last step matters even more on used cars. Experian found used car loans averaged 11.19 percent in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 6.35 percent for new.
Finally, we cover the independent inspection, the 30-minute test drive, and a word-for-word negotiation script that uses your inspection report to bring the price down.
Our Green Book Moment spotlights Banister Ford of Marlow Heights, a Black-owned dealership in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Get the book, “The Color of Our Money Is Green: A Buyer’s Guide to What Cars Actually Cost,” at stan.store/RGist.
This episode is for education only, not legal or financial advice. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Your money is green. Know what it costs.
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AutoNetwork helps serious car shoppers inspect any new vehicle online before walking into a dealership. I’m Roosevelt — I’ve been reviewing cars and shaping digital car buying and credit union auto leasing since before YouTube car reviews existed.
You’ll find detailed walkaround reviews, POV test drives, and buyer-focused breakdowns covering comfort, space, features, and real-world value.

How to use the channel:
Watch the walkaround of the car you’re considering
Visit AutoNetwork.com for the full review
Check CouponsOffersAndDeals.com for current dealer specials
Walk in already knowing what you want — and what it should cost

🌐 AutoNetwork.com
💰 CouponsOffersAndDeals.com
Affiliate disclosure: some links earn a small commission at no cost to you and help support the channel. Insta360 is one of those partners.

Is the 2026 Defender 130 X worth $110,110 for your family?
Roosevelt examines the comfort, capability, and everyday compromises that matter before you buy this luxury SUV.
Finished in Gondwana Stone with an Ebony Windsor leather interior, this Defender brings a distinctive look and a substantial price. Its 3.0-liter six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine produces 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
My driving impressions include good acceleration, a comfortable and supportive driver’s seat, and good ride quality. However, I also noticed wind noise around the windshield pillar and outside mirror. A highway test drive deserves a place on your shopping checklist.
Inside, we examine the optional second-row captain’s chairs, passenger access, third-row seating, and usable cargo space. The third row does not fold into a flat floor, so bring your stroller, luggage or measurements when evaluating whether this Defender fits your needs.
Getting in and out also deserves attention. The vehicle sits high, and its grab handles may not solve the entry challenge for every passenger. I explain why your regular passengers should try it before you commit.
We also look at the ClearSight digital rearview mirror, 13.1-inch touchscreen, and parking-camera system. Extended viewing of the digital mirror made me feel dizzy; your experience may differ.
Air suspension, terrain settings, and the listed towing package add capability, but how much will you actually use? With supplied fuel ratings of 16 city, 20 highway, and 18 combined mpg, ownership costs belong in the decision.
Watch for practical checks you can use at the dealership, then tell me: would this Defender fit your daily life?
Subscribe to AutoNetwork for vehicle reviews that help you make informed buying decisions. Like, share, and follow for more advice from Roosevelt before your next purchase.
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“The Color of Our Money Is Green: A Buyer’s Guide to What Cars Actually Cost” — stan.store/RGist
_______________________________________________________________
AutoNetwork helps serious car shoppers inspect any new vehicle online before walking into a dealership. I’m Roosevelt — I’ve been reviewing cars and shaping digital car buying and credit union auto leasing since before YouTube car reviews existed.
You’ll find detailed walkaround reviews, POV test drives, and buyer-focused breakdowns covering comfort, space, features, and real-world value.

How to use the channel:
Watch the walkaround of the car you’re considering
Visit AutoNetwork.com for the full review
Check CouponsOffersAndDeals.com for current dealer specials
Walk in already knowing what you want — and what it should cost

🌐 AutoNetwork.com
💰 CouponsOffersAndDeals.com
Affiliate disclosure: some links earn a small commission at no cost to you and help support the channel. Insta360 is one of those partners.

Trouble with takeoff hesitation? Perform a daylight test drive and observe visibility from your usual driving position. Make sure no cards or keys are left on the charging pads. #AutoNetwork

🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/jxHcleGKCuE

#CarTips #Driving #TestDrive #CarMaintenance

During the financial panic of 1893, True Reformers, a Black-owned bank, was the sole institution in Richmond to remain operational, honoring every single check. #AutoNetwork

🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/JjNiyzGQjnA

#TrueReformers #BlackHistory #FinancialHistory #1893Panic

A community’s resilience: After racial tensions forced a local branch to disband, the Black community learned a vital lesson: hold your own money. This led to the creation of their own bank. #AutoNetwork

🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/JjNiyzGQjnA

#BlackHistory #CommunityBanking #EconomicEmpowerment #Resilience

Understand your car’s warranty: 3yr/36k miles for bumpers, 8yr/100k for EV batteries. Includes courtesy transport, roadside assistance, and a first maintenance visit. #AutoNetwork

🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/H3v7rboC124

#CarWarranty #Automotive #EVBattery #RoadsideAssistance #CarTips