Keiser University Professor Brian Bastin recently shared insights with WPTV television viewers in advance of Keiser University’s Auto Show of the Palm Beaches to be held Saturday, April 5^th, 2025 from 10 AM  – 4 PM at Keiser University’s Flagship Campus located at 2600 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, Florida 33409,

While sharing his Top Tips for Buying a Car in 2025, Bastin addressed interest rates for new and used cars and how buyers can lock-in to the best terms possible, finding a car on a budget in today’s competitive market, and more.

Presented by Keiser University Automotive Dealership Management program students, the Auto Show of the Palm Beaches promises to be an unforgettable experience with multiple vehicle showcase areas, sports clinics by top-ranked athletic teams, and a variety of fun, family-friendly activities. A crowd favorite, the “Food from Around the World” food truck, will return, offering delicious cuisine from many of the world’s automotive-producing countries. Additionally, the event will feature classroom talks on the history of the automotive industry, with different brands volunteering to be highlighted, as well as discussions on the latest developments in ACES (Autonomous, Electric, Connected, and Sharing) mobility platforms.

Bastin’s SMARTTOOLS for purchasing an automobile include: 

S – Specify your needs, wants, and constraints.  Just like any good athletic team puts a game plan into place before the game, you need a game plan before you start shopping for your dream car. 

M – Make a budget and stick to it. It starts with an overall budget – know your current and potential future income, as well as your non-discretionary expenses.  

A – Appraise your trade-in online or through an independent buyer. Determining the actual value of your vehicle prior to visiting a dealership will save time and ensure you’re prepared.

R – Research your choices online.  Find out which vehicles work for you.  Develop a shortlist of a couple of cars you want to test further keeping in mind your budget and that a low mileage vehicle may be best. 

T – Talk to your own bank or other banks before going to the dealership.  Many times, dealers will have the lowest rates, or they may be the only source to lease a vehicle.  You still need to have your options ready. 

T – Test drive the vehicle, the dealership, and the people.   While vehicles can be purchased sight unseen, it’s important to test drive the vehicle first.  Your online dream car may not suit your needs or be as comfortable as you’d hoped.

O – Orchestrate your game plan.  You’ve selected the car, now it’s time to put your game plan into action by negotiating the price of the car first and then the payment.  Remember, you have done your research and obtained your bank quote.  Now it’s time to get your best deal on the overall price and progress to the number and price of payments.  Keep in mind that automotive leases have their benefits as well.  

O – Only buy the vehicle and products that add value and fit into your budget.  Once the negotiations are over you will see a menu with all kinds of products.  Extended warranties, key replacement, and environmental products are just a few of the items available.  Only buy products that add value, fit into your budget, and are easy to administer.

L – Leave unless you get what you want.  Remember, there will always be another car available to you, so take the time to shop wisely.  

S – Savor in the victory.  At the end of the day, the transaction must work for both parties.  The dealer provides many services and needs to be compensated for those services, and buyers need to be treated fairly and respectfully.  The SMART TOOLS plan provides both the buyer and the dealer a win-win experience.  Enjoy your new ride!

About Keiser University Professor Brian Bastin

Keiser University professor Brian Bastin’s courses have included Managerial Finance, Personal Financial Planning, and Commercial Real Estate where his students worked on valuation techniques for apartment complexes and office centers.

Currently a professor of Automotive Management and Finance, he earned his BBA in Corporate Financial Management from Stetson University and MBA from the University of Miami and embarked on his career in the automotive industry.  During his automotive tenure, Mercedes-Benz of Palm Beach was highly regarded for its high level of customer and employee satisfaction, exceptional profitability, and community outreach. Since leaving the dealership, Bastin’s role as a professor has led him beyond the classroom as an industry spokesperson, a guest speaker at industry events, an investor in real estate projects, as a training service professional for dealerships, and more.

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration Automotive Dealership Management program prepares students with the skills needed to become future industry leaders. The curriculum examines various environmental factors influencing the automotive industry such as technological progress, consumer expectations, government regulation, and personal mobility. Students will be exposed to the unique challenges facing today’s automotive and vehicle retail distribution systems and graduates will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and techniques to thrive in this new environment.

Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associate to the doctoral level. Keiser University is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and was ranked No. 21 in the U.S. in Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report in 2023-24.

KU Professor Brian Bastin and Insurance Agent Lee Wiglesworth Share Cary Buying and Insurance Tips with Matt Sczesny at WPTV.

Keiser University’s Auto Show of the Palm Beaches will be held Saturday, April 5th, 2025.