Tell us about your car
Share a few vehicle details online or give Kate a quick call. It only takes a few minutes.
Simple by design →A real, KBB-backed offer from a local team you can trust. Kate and the Tri-State Auto Buying Center team make selling simple—and they’ll come to you.

How it works
No dealership visit. No negotiating with strangers. Just a clear process built around your schedule.
Share a few vehicle details online or give Kate a quick call. It only takes a few minutes.
Simple by design →Choose your driveway, your bank, or another convenient spot anywhere in our service area.
Simple by design →After a simple in-person evaluation, receive a written KBB-backed offer with zero pressure.
Simple by design →
Meet Kate
Meet Kate, the friendly face behind Kate Buys Cars and a proud third-generation member of the McDonald Auto family. Born and raised in Saginaw—and still calling it home—she grew up immersed in the automotive world right here in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Whether she’s enjoying the outdoors with her loyal Goldendoodle or helping a neighbor sell a vehicle quickly and fairly, Kate is focused on making the whole experience simple, honest, and hassle-free.
The people behind the process
These are the people who keep every detail moving—from your first question to the final handshake and check.


Third-generation auto family
Meet Kate, a proud third-generation member of the McDonald Auto family. Born and raised in Saginaw, MI—and still calling it home—she has grown up immersed in the automotive world right here in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Whether enjoying the outdoors with her loyal Goldendoodle by her side or helping local folks sell their vehicles quickly and fairly, Kate is passionate about making the car-selling process simple, honest, and hassle-free.

20+ years in automotive
Berta brings over 20 years of automotive experience to Tri-State Auto Buying Center—from business development to the sales floor—and she’s one of the first voices you’ll hear when you reach out. She has a natural ability to make a complicated process feel simple, and by the time a buyer arrives at your door, she’s already made sure everything is in order. Outside of work, her time belongs to Miguel, her dog, who she’ll tell you is the best co-worker she’s ever had.

7 years in automotive
With 7 years in the automotive industry across business development and sales, Tiffany knows how to cut through the noise and make things simple for sellers. At Tri-State Auto Buying Center, she keeps everything coordinated behind the scenes and makes sure you always know exactly what to expect from first call to final handshake. She’s known for giving real answers—not a script—and for making the whole experience feel easy. When she’s not working, you’ll find her somewhere outdoors with a tent and a campfire.

20+ years in automotive
Cary brings over 20 years of automotive experience to every transaction—and a way of working that makes sellers feel like they’re in good hands from the first conversation. He’s straightforward, efficient, and genuinely cares about getting the deal right. At home, his world revolves around his family and his two dogs, Thelma and Louise, who have very strong opinions about everything.
Where we go
From the Great Lakes Bay Region to Metro Detroit, Lansing, The Thumb, and northern Mid-Michigan, the team meets you where it works best.
Saginaw · Bay City · Midland · Freeland · Frankenmuth · Birch Run
Flint · Detroit · Pontiac · Troy · Sterling Heights · Macomb · Lapeer
Lansing · East Lansing · Okemos · DeWitt · St. Johns · Owosso
Caro · Bad Axe · Sandusky · Cass City · West Branch · Gladwin · Clare
Why sellers choose us
Clear answers. Fair offers. Neighborly service.That’s the Kate way.
Good to know
Still wondering about something? Kate is just a call away.
(989) 321-8986No. Most purchases happen right at the seller’s home. Kate and the Mid-Michigan buying team can also meet you at your bank or another convenient location.
Your offer is based on the vehicle’s year, make, model, mileage, features, condition, history, and current local market demand. A brief in-person evaluation confirms the details.
The first conversation usually takes less than ten minutes. Once the details are reviewed, the team will arrange a convenient evaluation time and work to get you a written offer quickly.
If you accept the written offer, the team handles the paperwork and issues payment according to the names shown on the vehicle title. Any lien details are reviewed before closing.
Cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans in a wide range of years and conditions are considered. The fastest way to find out is to submit your vehicle details or call Kate directly.
There is no fee to request an offer and no pressure to accept it. You stay in control from the first conversation to the final decision.
Start online or talk with Kate. Either way, you’ll get clear next steps and zero pressure.