1. LINKS 2/17/16

2.  Read through the Car Advertisements and answer the question…  Which did you choose and why?

3.  Always start by figuring out what you really need – and if you really need what you’re about to purchase  Look closely at your budget and determine what you can really afford

4.  Do your research to make sure you’re buying a quality product that will last. After all, you could be paying for it for a long time!  Don’t believe advertisements. Carefully investigate your purchase through objective third-party reviews

5. -Style-Cost -Reliability-Speed/ Drivability -Gas Mileage-Mileage of Car -Special Features-Safety -Size-Reputation of Car Company -Proximity of Local Repair Shops -Mileage and Repair History

6.  Whether to buy new or used  From a dealership or a private seller Let’s look at the Advantages and Disadvantages of New and Used Cars…

7.  When you start looking for a car, chances are you will quickly narrow down your options using the criteria we’ve gone over  Find out reviews on the type of car you like and talk to people who own similar cars  www.cars.com www.cars.com  The CARFAX Safety and Reliability Ratings website provides information about a specific model’s crash test results, safety recalls, reliability ratings, and ownership costs  http://www.carfax.com/car_safety/ratings/SRR.c fm http://www.carfax.com/car_safety/ratings/SRR.c fm

8.  The websites listed on the Find Your Car handout provide a great overview of any car you’re thinking about buying.  Cars for Sale: www.cars.comwww.cars.com  Car’s Value: www.kbb.comwww.kbb.com  Car’s Fuel Efficiency: www.fueleconomy.govwww.fueleconomy.gov  Car’s History: www.carfax.comwww.carfax.com

9.  Let’s say you’ve narrowed down your choices, searched for cars for sale around you, and researched the car to make sure it’s one you want and fairly priced  Now it’s time to check out the car itself…

10.  Look beyond the car’s exterior  You should actively look for anything that doesn’t seem quite right – whether it’s a funny smell or an odd noise  Be sure to test everything in the car

11.  Make sure the car doesn’t have any hidden mechanical problems  “certified used cars” or “certified pre-owned cars” means the car has been through a thorough inspection and any problems have been repaired. In addition, the car is backed by a manufacture’s warranty  If it’s not certified: get it checked out by a mechanic you trust – someone not affiliated with the dealership in any way

12.  Take it for a test drive  The most important thing is to take your time, be thorough, and be tough  Test everything in the car  Sit in every seat  Look under the hood  Test the acceleration, gear changes, steering, alignment, and brakes

13.  Time to do a “background check”  Once you have the VIN (vehicle identification number) you can access the car’s Vehicle History Report for about $30  www.carfax.com www.carfax.com  This report will tell you if the car’s been in a major accident, damaged by flood, had many owners, or was used as a rental – factors that could affect the car’s reliability, safety, and value and end up costing you in repairs

14.  There are a lot of expenses that go into buying and maintaining a vehicle…  Next week we will discuss car loans, down payments, monthly payments and insurance