Car Buying Guide Tips to Purchasing Your Vehicle In The United States

PURCHASE OPTIONS

FINANCING Lender makes credit decision o Loan approval o Interest rates o Down payment requirements o Loan term based on credit guidelines Based on:  Credit score  Previous credit  Ability to repay

CREDIT Uses credit score rating Higher score = Lower finance rate

DON’T Open Too Many Credit Cards Spend Beyond Your Means

WHY? It is EASY to drop your credit score BUT DIFFICULT to make it go up Insurance rates are tied to credit score Most employers today will pull credit when making an employment offer

VEHICLE LEASE Method Of Driving A New Vehicle Reasonable Monthly Payment Little Or No Upfront Cash Commitment

VEHICLE LEASE CONT. Tailored by customers to fit their need: Term (Lower payment = Longer lease) Annual mileage (starts at 10,000 miles/year) Upfront cash or trade as down payment

BENEFITS Always covered by warranty Drive a new car more often 3 options at lease expiration

OPTIONS AT LEASE END Purchase vehicle at residual value Return to leasing company Excess mileage and damage charges may be assessed. Use as trade Occurs when there is equity or other advantages.

OPTIONAL PROTECTION Environmental Protection Maintenance Plan Ancillary Products Extended Warranty GAP Protection Tire & Wheel Coverage

EXTENDED WARRANTY New Vehicle Extends manufacturer warranty Pre-Owned Vehicle When remaining factory warranty expires Pays for unforeseeable repair bills, towing and roadside assistance

EXTENDED WARRANTY Keeps budget intact in case of mechanical breakdown Transferable to next owner More Value To Vehicle Unused portion refundable if cancelled

GAP PROTECTION Protects when vehicle is a total loss Insurance Settlement – Loan Balance Payoff = GAP Therefore… You walk away from your obligation. I have seen GAP pay claims of up to $15,000!

TIRE & WHEEL COVERAGE Tire repair or replacement due to a flat tire Mounting and Balancing Roadside Assistance Even rim replacement due to damage by roadside hazard (Ex. Pot hole)

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Vinyl/Leather Protection Protects interior from: Stains Fading Cracking Fabric/Carpet Protection Waterproofing Stain protection Paint Protection Prevents paint damage caused by: Acid rain Tree sap Bird droppings Environmental fallout Etc.

MAINTENANCE PLAN Pay upfront at a discounted rate. Maintenance services covered over a period of time. Avoids inflation and cash flow. Helps stay compliant with manufacturer warranties. Some plans offer lifetime oil changes.

ANCILLARY PRODUCTS Clear Bra Protects from paint chipping. Invisible protection with lifetime warranty. Remote Start Heated Seats Body Kits Wheel and Tire Upgrades

ONLINE RESOURCES

CHOOSING A DEALERSHIP Research Dealership Reviews Submit Online Inquiry Compare Dealerships Make A List Of Questions

CARFAX AND AUTOCHECK BE AWARE OF: Major Accidents Odometer Problem Manufacturer Buy Back “Lemon”

CARFAX AND AUTOCHECK POSITIVE HIGHLIGHTS One Owner Dealer Maintained Solid History Report

CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED Like New! Complete maintenance and reconditioning No worries on mechanical problems Usually cost more than non-certified

BUYING PRE-OWNED VEHICLES It’s not about the price VALUE! Research, Compare, and See In Person Low priced, good used cars DON’T LAST! Don’t regret your hesitation! “The car you want to think about until tomorrow is the car someone may buy today”

MAINTAINING YOUR CAR

CAR MAINTENANCE TIPS MONTHLY CHECKLIST Oil Level – Remember to wipe the dipstick first and add if oil is low. Also look for leaks. Hoses and Belts – Look for worn and frayed belts. Look for rotten, bulging or brittle hoses. Replace as needed. Tire Pressure – Check and compare to tire chart provided by the manufacturer and add air as needed. Inspect for leaks, uneven wear and damage. Coolant – Make sure engine is cool and add if low.

CAR MAINTENANCE TIPS QUARTERLY OR 35,000 MILES Change oil and replace oil filter. Look at battery terminals and cables and check for corrosion. Clean if needed. Check windshield washer fluid and add if needed. Check brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. If there’s a dipstick, make sure to wipe the dipstick first and reinsert to check the level. Add fluid if needed.

Using coolant gauge, check the integrity of the coolant based on seasonal recommendations. Remove and check air filter and replace if dirty. Make sure no dirt falls into the intake when removing the old filter.

CAR MAINTENANCE TIPS BIANNUALLY (EVERY 6 MONTHS) OR 7,000 MILES Check wiper blades and replace if brittle and worn. Ensure headlights, brake lights, horn, and signals work. Check brakes for wear. Inspect the spare tire to make sure it’s inflated. Examine exhaust system looking for damage, rust, or loose parts. Check shock absorbers for wear and oil seepage.

SAFE DRIVING TIPS 1.DON’T DRIVE DRUNK 2.DON’T SPEED 3.AVOID DISTRACTIONS 4.DON’T DRIVE DROWSY 5.WEAR YOUR SEATBELT 6.BE EXTRA CAREFUL IN BAD WEATHER 7.DON’T FOLLOW TOO CLOSELY 8.WATCH OUT FOR THE OTHER GUY 9.PRACTICE DEFENSIVE DRIVING 10.KEEP YOUR VEHICLE SAFE

Thank You

Q&A