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Part two: The Responsible Driver T H E D R I V E R S E D G E C U R R I C U L U M Part two: The Responsible Driver

Buying a New / Used Car Purpose of this lesson: Learn how to assess a used car for possible purchase Learn how to determine a fair price for a used car and understand the negotiation and purchase process Come to an understanding of the resource tools available to purchase a new car at a fair price Precautions to take in the purchase process so as to not be taken advantage of.

Buying a New / Used Car -- After the completion of this material there are 23 review questions. These questions are also found the the Microsoft Word document titled: Buying a car review questions (it is suggested that you print out these questions and give a copy to your students so they can fill in the answers at the end of the lesson)

Buying a New / Used Car Since most first time buyers purchase pre-owned cars, we’ll consider used cars first

Thinking about your needs: Buying a New / Used Car Thinking about your needs: What do you need it for? - Passenger and cargo considerations: Basic transportation for 4-5 passengers? OR Will you have cargo carrying needs as well?

Thinking about your needs: Buying a New / Used Car Thinking about your needs: What do you need it for? - Larger or smaller vehicle What are advantages of smaller, lighter vehicles? better gas mileage easier to maneuver (parking) less expensive price and lower insurance costs

Thinking about your needs: Buying a New / Used Car Thinking about your needs: What do you need it for? - Larger or smaller vehicle What are disadvantages of smaller, lighter vehicles? less protection in a collision not as comfortable as larger cars less passenger and cargo capacity

Thinking about your needs: Buying a New / Used Car Thinking about your needs: What do you need it for? - Larger vehicles greater protection in a collision usually more comfortable greater passenger and cargo capacity more costly to operate and insure greater protection in a collision usually more comfortable greater passenger and cargo capacity more costly to operate and insure greater protection in a collision usually more comfortable greater passenger and cargo capacity more costly to operate and insure

Thinking about your needs: Buying a New / Used Car Thinking about your needs: What do you need it for? What do you need it for? What do you need it for? Cindy’s Auto Parts - school, business, pleasure? - school, business, pleasure? - school, business, pleasure? What options would you consider a necessity? What are some other factors concerning your needs? Will you be making short or long trips? The expected mileage per year? How long do you expect to keep the vehicle?

Choosing a Used vehicle: Buying a New / Used Car Choosing a Used vehicle: Usually the first thing you will observe about a car is it’s_________________ appearance. exterior Check for dents, scratches, and rust, and differences in paint shades, do body panels line up properly? (what might this mean?) Examine tires for even tread wear, cracks in sidewalls What are the basic exterior checks you should make as you walk around the vehicle the first time? Open and close doors, try locks, windows and trunk (trunk should be clean with a secure spare tire)

Choosing a Used vehicle: Buying a New / Used Car Choosing a Used vehicle: Other checks will include getting down on your hands and knees to look____________the vehicle. beneath Check for fluid leakage on pavement (oil, transmission, coolant, brake fluid) Look for leakage by brake lines (near inside of tire) Most people (especially young people) do not have the expertise to properly assess the condition of used vehicles …bring experienced help with you What are the basic checks you should make beneath the vehicle? Look for holes or heavy rust in exhaust pipes, muffler

Choosing a Used vehicle: Buying a New / Used Car Choosing a Used vehicle: Besides the overall exterior appearance…what about the _________________ condition under the hood? mechanical Inspect the belts. (are they worn or frayed?) Again, most people have limited knowledge of the mechanical aspects of the soundness of an engine …bring experienced help with you …but some things are obvious What are the engine checks that should be made?

Belts: are they worn or frayed?

Choosing a Used vehicle: Buying a New / Used Car Does the oil have a burnt smell? Choosing a Used vehicle: …if so there could be a serious engine problem Besides the overall exterior appearance…what about the _________________ condition under the hood? mechanical Inspect the belts. (are they worn or frayed?) What are the you checks should make? Check the oil dipstick to see if the oil is dirty (very dark) The electrical wires should be dark without cracks and hoses soft

The electrical wires should be dark and hoses soft Signs of oil leakage around manifold covers?

Choosing a Used vehicle: Buying a New / Used Car Choosing a Used vehicle: Besides the overall exterior appearance…what about the _________________ condition under the hood? mechanical Again, most people have limited knowledge of the mechanical aspects of the soundness of an engine …bring experienced help with you…but some things are obvious Other things . . . Inspect battery and cables for corrosion What are the you checks should make?

Also check for any evidence of a collision (bent fan, damaged radiator, etc) Check coolant level and color (should be bright green – not brownish) Inspect battery and cables for corrosion

Choosing a Used vehicle: Buying a New / Used Car Choosing a Used vehicle: Besides the overall exterior appearance…what about the _________________ condition under the hood? mechanical Are there loud knocking or pinging sounds? Is there excessive vibration (shaking of engine)? Are there leaks from hoses or radiator? What should be checked after the engine starts?

Choosing a Used vehicle: Buying a New / Used Car Choosing a Used vehicle: Inside checks Are the seats comfortable and in good condition? Check the pedals and steering wheel for excessive wear and notice mileage on odometer… Does it have a musty odor? If so vehicle may have been in a flood

Choosing a Used vehicle: Buying a New / Used Car Choosing a Used vehicle: Inside checks Also, check carpet and interior for rips or holes Check the seat adjuster (electric or mechanical) Power windows and door locks Do the mirror adjusters work properly Do seat belts work and retract properly What are some other non-electrical inside checks?

inside electrical checks? Buying a New / Used Car - First, when ignition is turned on, check all warning lights, which should then go off in a couple seconds. What are some inside electrical checks? Inside electrical checks …if one stays on, what might this indicate? …a problem in that system

Other electrical checks Buying a New / Used Car Do all lights & accessories work? Radio / tape / CD - Horn - Air conditioning / heat - Wipers - Headlights / tail lights / courtesy lights -Turn signals Other electrical checks

Buying a New / Used Car The Test Drive So far you may like everything about the car but the test drive is critical to see if it will perform as it should. ALWAYS test drive a car before buying it. If the owner refuses, then look for a different car. Do not feel rushed, take your time. With radio off, what do you hear and feel? Listen for difficulties in starting or abnormal sounds while driving and turning. Drive on both smooth a bumpy roads to get a better assessment of the vehicle’s handling. Also listen for rattles. Does the vehicle hesitate when you quickly accelerate? It should accelerate and the automatic transmission should shift smoothly smoothly without hesitation from 0-40 mph.

Buying a New / Used Car The Test Drive Are the brakes in good condition? Brakes shouldn’t grab or pull to one side. Test with sudden stops on empty streets. Make three stops in a row. Step on pedal each time with same pressure observing if you stop in a straight line each time. If you hear a metal on metal sound the brakes are dangerously worn down and the repair can be substantial. Is the steering firm? There should not be much “play” in wheel. There should not be squeals, groans, creaks, or grinding noises. Let the car steer itself on a flat portion of road to check the alignment. It should not quickly drift to either side.

Buying a New / Used Car The Test Drive Failure of the vehicle to - How is the suspension? (on an off expressway ramp, how does the suspense handle the curve…tilt, hop, or sway?) Be sure to check the exhaust: black smoke may mean oil burning, blue may mean gas burning. Accelerate quickly to test this. Check the dashboard warning lights: oil, temperature and others for any malfunction. Failure of the vehicle to pass all the inspection and road tests should not necessarily disqualify it. Most used cars have some problems that need correction. These can often be negotiated into the final pricing. What one thing should still be done?

The Vehicle Inspection Buying a New / Used Car The Vehicle Inspection - If still interested in purchasing the vehicle it wise to have the vehicle professionally inspected - It will be worth the time and money you spend and can save you a lot in the long term. You’ll get a fair assessment of the cost of needed repairs which will help you decide if you still want the vehicle. Next, its time to make a deal

Buying a New / Used Car The Negotiation A few other things before Make sure to check the blue book price www.kbb.com and yellow book NADA price. If over the price listed, try to negotiate a lower price. The owner / dealer wants to sell the vehicle, so if your counter offer price is reasonable, they will consider it. Don’t let the owner or dealer make you feel uncomfortable. Many dealers will try to pressure you, but remember, it’s ok to say no…the vehicle you need is probably somewhere else, and may be cheaper or in better condition. The Negotiation A few other things before considering buying a used car A couple other key points: If the seller is to make needed repairs, be sure it’s included in the written agreement. Don’t forget the owner’s manual.

Where can used vehicles be purchased? Buying a New / Used Car Used Vehicle Warranties As is: no warranty (dealer / owner will not make repairs) Implied: varies from state to state Full: (bumper to bumper) excludes normal wear & tear Limited: you may have to pay labor Extended: you pay extra to extend the length coverage of the warranty Where can used vehicles be purchased?

Where to buy a used vehicle ? Buying a New / Used Car Where to buy a used vehicle ? - Certified used cars that pass inspections - They keep best trade-ins (auction off the rest) - Service Facilities available - Usually most expensive New Car Dealerships Used Car Dealerships - May have warranty - Some have a bad reputation - Limited Service facilities Where else can you obtain used vehicles

Buying a New / Used Car Where to buy a used vehicle ? Private Party / Owner - Seldom repair or provide you with a warranty. - All paperwork must be handled between both parties. - Watch out for “curb-stoning”- where dealers sell cars secretly through themselves or other people, like spouses or friends. Illegal in most states. Repossession Auctions If the person couldn’t afford to pay the loan payments. You then pay for what is owed and the repossession cost. Places To Check Prices, Get Information, & Buy KBB.com NHTSA.dot.gov edmunds.com carmax.com

Where to find new vehicle ? Buying a New / Used Car Where to find new vehicle ? New Car Dealerships Internet Companies Before going through a new car dealership or Internet company a lot of sensible buying information can be found using the Internet. Let’s just consider the basic steps to take

Buying a New / Used Car New Car Shopping Steps (the list below is the overall outline –each one will be examine separately) 1 ) Create a budget, obtain your credit report, get you financing in order. 2) Use free internet sites for determining dealer costs, car reviews, and pricing for your trade-in. 3) Visit dealers to check base price and options for pricing car. 4) Take information home, continue researching to determine the dealers true cost. 5) Go to the dealer to negotiate your offer and close the deal. 6) Generally offer the dealer 5% over their true cost. They are still making a profit and you will get a fair deal.

Buying a New / Used Car Review time…let’s see what you remember…

exterior collision fluid leaks experienced person belts 1) Usually the first thing you will observe about a vehicle is its _______________ appearance. exterior 2) Your first walk around is to notice dents, scratches, differences in paint shades and if the body panels align properly. You’re looking to see if it has been in a ________ collision 3) The checks beneath include the condition of the exhaust system and any ____________you may notice on pavement. fluid leaks 4) Most people do not have the experience to fully assess the condition of a used vehicle. It is important to bring an ___________________ with you. experienced person 5) When inspecting under the hood, you are checking the condition of the ________ to see if they are worn or frayed. belts

serious soft dark manifold False loud knocking pinging leaks 6) If when checking the oil, you notice its dark with a burnt smell, this could indicate a ____________problem. serious 7) Also under the hood, the hoses should be ______and the electrical wires should be ________ without cracks in them. soft dark 8) You should also look for signs of oil leakage around the _____________covers of the engine. manifold 9) When you check the coolant, it should be a brownish-red color. True or False: ________ False 10) After starting the engine get out and listen for __________________ or __________sounds. loud knocking pinging 11) You will also inspect around the radiator and connecting hoses for any _________ that may be present. leaks

there is a problem in that system 12) When inside the vehicle, if the pedals and steering wheel appear to be worn, this means the car has______________. high mileage 13) If after you start the engine, you notice a warning light stays on, what does this mean? ______________________ there is a problem in that system 14) On the test drive the ___________________should shift smoothly without hesitation from 0-40 mph. automatic transmission 15) When testing the brakes a few times, the car should stop in a ___________line, not pulling to either side. straight 16) To check the alignment, let the car steer _______ on a _______portion of road. It should not quickly drift over. itself flat 17) You should also check the exhaust. Black smoke could indicate __________. burning oil

professional inspector 18) Failure of the vehicle to pass all the inspection and road test should not necessarily _______________ it. Most used cars have some problems that need correction. disqualify 19) One of the final, most important steps before buying, is to have a ______________________ check it out for you. professional inspector 20) If the seller is to make needed repairs, be sure it is included in the ____________agreement. written 21) When buying a new car, a lot of sensible buying information can be found by using the ____________. Internet 22) An essential item to have in your possession before going to the dealer, is an updated ___________ as a tool for getting the best financing on the vehicle. credit report 23) Generally, after researching everything, offer the dealer about ____% over the dealer cost for the vehicle. 5

The End