1. Buying a Vehicle

2. Questions to ask yourself before you start searching for a car:
Do you want a used or new vehicle?
How much money can I afford to spend?
Will I pay for it up front, or finance it through a loan
for ____ years?
How much money can I afford as a down payment?
Do I have enough money for the taxes and annual
license fees?

3. Questions to ask yourself before you start searching for a car:
Do you want a used or new vehicle?
How much money do I have for insurance?
If used, do you have money set aside for repairs?
Do you want a car that gets good gas mileage?
Do you want a car that is safe?

4. Questions to ask yourself before you start searching for a car:
How big of a car do I need? How many people will I need to transport at a time?
Do I want a two-door or a four-door car?
Do I need any special features
Four wheel drive
Manual versus Automatic Transmission
Electric windows and door locks, sunroof, etc.

5. Finding a Vehicle Internet Newspaper Ads posted in stores
Autotrader.com
On-line local Newspaper Classified Ads
Newspaper
Ads posted in stores
Word of Mouth – Friends & Family
Auctions

6. Buying a Used Car
How old is the car? What year was it made? When did it actually start getting used?
How many miles are on the odometer?
Has the odometer ever been tampered with?
Has the odometer gone over 100,000 and started (cars older than ??)
How many owners has the car had? How well did they care for the car?

7. Buying a Used Car:
If the car has been in an accident, how severe was the accident? How many accidents?
Were repairs done by a reputable repair shop?
Were repairs done with manufacturer specific parts?
Was there damage to just the body, or the engine, or the frame, or all?
Is the title to the car clear/clean?
Is it a Salvage Title?
Is there a Lien against the car?
How much tread is left on the tires?

8. Now You Have Selected a Car:
What to Look for:
Look under the hood at the motor
Look inside the car
Look in the trunk
Look under the car
Look for rust
Look for liquid leaks underneath
Look for blue smoke in the exhaust as the car is running
Do not just look for the SALE sign!

9. Now You Have Selected a Car:
Test Drive the car
The dealer will verify your driver’s license and insurance
If a used car, have a mechanic inspect the car
There will be a fee; otherwise have a friend look the car over with you.
“AS-IS” means if something is wrong after you buy it, it will be your problem to fix
BUYER BEWARE!

10. Buying a Vehicle - Warranties
What is the warranty on the car?
Generally 3 yr/ 36,000 miles
Some cars like Hyundai and Kia have a longer warranty such as 5 yr/50,000
Drive Train Warranty?
100,000 (less or more?)
Does the car come with Road Side Assistance? How long?

11. Negotiating a Price The Art of Negotiation
Dealer’s Prices will be different- Shop Around!
Never feel obligated to buy- You can walk away BEFORE you sign any paperwork!

12. Financing a Vehicle
Should you finance through the Car Dealership or the Bank?
What is the Annual Percentage Rate on the loan?
Credit History is important to get a loan, and determines the loan rate too.

13. Financing a Vehicle
Are there additional documentation fees or hidden fees you must pay?
If so, how much?
If you are trading in a car, how much will the dealer give you for your car?
How much is your car worth? Know before you go to the dealer
Kelly Blue Book or N.A.D.A.

14. Insurance What type of car insurance do I need? Comprehensive
Collision
Both
GAP- Guaranteed Auto Protection
Home insurance with car insurance
Cheapest does not mean the Best

16. Taxes and Registration
After you purchase your car, you also have to pay taxes on the vehicle
Department of Motor Vehicles
Must Register your vehicle with the County
Registration and Taxes due Annually

19. Maintenance
Oil Changes every 3,000 miles or as recommended by the manufacturer
Check Fluid Levels
Oil
Antifreeze- Important in Winter and Summer Months.
Brakes
Transmission
Windshield Wipers
Tires
Check the tire pressure
Impacts Safety
Impacts Mileage
Impacts wear on the tires
Rotate the tires

20. Maintenance Washing your car Replacing the windshield wipers
Helps to protect the paint and gets the salt off in the winter- helps your car not to rust and it will last longer
Replacing the windshield wipers
Auto Zone, O’Reilly’s, WalMart, etc.
Replacing or Repairing Items yourself
Cheaper than going to a Repair Shop or Dealer

21. Questions?