Educate Before You Buy
Knowledge is power, and knowing the right way to buy a car can be an empowering experience in your life.
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Educate, Educate, Educate Yourself Before Buying a Car
Choosing how you want to buy a car is just as challenging as finding the right car. Online or in person, either way, educate yourself on what to expect and avoid any complications in the buying process.
Buying a New Car
A new car is second only to a home as the most expensive purchase many consumers make. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, the average price of a new car sold in the United States is about $30,000. That’s why it’s important to know how to make a smart deal.
- Buying Your New Car
- Learning the Terms
- Financing Your New Car
- Trading in Your Old Car
- Considering a Service Contract
Read the full article from the FTC on “Buying a New Car“
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Buying a Used Car From A Dealer
Whether you’re 16 or 60, buying a used car can be an exciting experience. But it can also be a big financial commitment, with some industry reports estimating that the average price of a used car is close to $28,000. The more you know going in to the dealer, the better you’ll feel driving out. For example, dealers have to put a Buyer’s Guide on every used car. You’re also entitled to a Buyer’s Guide if you buy a used car online. The Guide will tell you if a car has a warranty, or is being sold “as is.” You’ll also want to get a vehicle history report and get the facts about independent inspections, payment options, and what to do if you have a problem after the deal is done.
Read the full article from the FTC on “Buying a Used Car From A Dealer“
8 Tips for Buying a Car Online
If you’ve shopped for a car recently, chances are, you’ve wondered if there’s a way to bypass the traditional car dealership experience. Some car manufacturers are making it easy to avoid the high-pressure sales tactics of a showroom floor, in the hopes of attracting new customers, while other services tout the ease and convenience of shopping for a car the same way you’d shop for dog food — online.
We’re not talking about buying from a conglomerate site like eBay Motors, which is mostly individuals selling cars the same way they sell anything else on eBay. We mean using the internet to shop for — and buy — a car and how that’s different from the traditional dealership experience. But how can you feel OK buying a car you haven’t test-driven? What about buying a car sight unseen? Is it risky? We’ve got all the answers — and some great tips for buying a car on the internet. Some will apply whether you’re buying from an online car vendor, like Carvana or Vroom, or using the online services of a regular car dealership or service like CarMax or Ford.
Read the full article on the “8 Tips for Buying a Car Online“
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Helpful videos from the FTC before you buy a car
Spotting Deceptive Car Ads
Buying a Used Car
Financing a Car
Understanding Car Add-ons
Watch them all at ftc.gov/cars or ftc.gov/carros in Spanish. Learn something new? Maybe your friends will, too. Spread the word about ftc.gov/cars, and share the videos on social media.