CAR SMART
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1:
DOING YOUR HOMEWORK
- Select Your Car’s Features
- Calculate Your Budget
- A Reality Check – the Price of Gasoline
- Decide on A Make And Model
- Collect Price Information
- Research Models and Prices on the Web
- Consider Whether To Buy New or Used
- Decide If You Will Purchase or Lease
- Know the Difference Between a Used Car Dealer and a Private Party Seller
- Read the Auto Ads Carefully
- Avoid “Auto Brokers”
Chapter 2:
INSPECTING THE CAR
- Assess the Car
- Test-Drive the Car
- Obtain a Mechanic’s Opinion
- Verify a Used Car’s History
Chapter 3:
MAKING THE DEAL
- Use Good Negotiating Skills
- Consider Which Extras to Buy
- Finance Options
- Understand the Cost of Credit
- Leasing Your Car
- Understand the Cost and Terms of a Lease
- Understand the Sales or Lease Contract
- Buying a Car Over the Internet
Chapter 4:
COMPLETING THE PURCHASE
- The Importance of Car Titles
- Registry Requirements
- Taxes and Other Expenses
- Insurance
- The Safety and Emissions Test
Chapter 5:
HANDLING PURCHASE PROBLEMS
- How to Reject the Car for Immediate Problems
- Lemon Aid Law
- How to Revoke Acceptance
- New Car Lemon Law
- Other New Car Lemon Remedies
- Used Vehicle Warranty Law
- Private Party Sales Under the Warranty Law
- Implied Warranties
- Problems with the Odometer Reading
- How to Undo the Deal
Chapter 6:
HANDLING REPAIR PROBLEMS
- Basic Auto Repair Rights
- Bring Your Car to the Garage
- Assess the Repairs
- Solve Auto Repair Problems
Appendices:
A-1 Doing Your Homework Checklist
A-2 Inspecting a Car Checklist
A-3 Making the Deal Checklist
A-4 Leasing Checklist
A-5 12 Simple Tips
A-6 Automobile Resources on the Internet
A-7 Helpful Contacts
A-8 Car-Buying Glossary
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This publication is designed to provide accurate & authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding that neither the publisher, sponsors, nor authors are engaged in rendering legal advice. If legal advice is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. The opinions & strategies suggested herein are those of the authors & do not necessarily represent those of the sponsors or the publisher.
© Massachusetts Consumers’ Coalition September, 2006