Buying a New Car
As with any other big-ticket item, it is important to do your homework—decide in advance what kind of car you need, and how much you can afford to spend. Think about size. Think about options.
Before you start pounding the pavement, check out some of the consumer-oriented publications that have information on cost, reliability, comfort factors, and other features of many cars. The Internet is also a great place to look.
Learning a bit about the law—and how you can protect yourself in this important consumer transaction—should also be part of your preparation.
Click on the links below for more information on this particular subject area. Main subject areas for the "Buying, Selling, or Leasing a Vehicle" section are linked at the bottom of these pages.
- What information should an automobile ad include?
- What are “bait and switch” ads?
- What if the ad omits details?
- Must a car contract be in writing?
- Which terms should the contract include?
- How should I evaluate the contract?
- May I change a seller's preprinted contract?
- May I cancel the contract even after I sign it?
- What happens to my deposit if I cancel the contract?
- What if I want to add something after I sign the contract?