Buying Your New Car

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					                  Federal Trade Commission - March 1992

                New Car Buying Guide
                                  fast facts

                      The invoice price is how much the
                       dealer paid for the car. The dealer's
                       final cost may be even lower because
                       manufactures often give rebates,
                       allowances, and other incentive

                      Dealers may be willing to bargain on
                       their profit margin, which is generally
                       between 10 to 20 percent.

                      Don't discuss the possibility of a
                       trade-in until you get the best possible
                       price for your new car.

                      Before buying a service contract,
                       compare it with the manufacturer's
                       warranty. Don't pay extra for coverage
                       you may already have.

                      Buying credit insurance is not required
                       for a loan.

                             Bureau of Consumer
                        Protection Office of Consumer
                            & Business Education
                                (202) 326-3650

Buying a new car is usually the second most expensive purchase many
consumers make, after the purchase of their home. According to the U.S.
Department of Commerce, the average cost of a new car sold in the United
States in 1990 -- the latest figures available -- was $16,148.

This brochure is intended to help give you the information you need to make a
smart deal on a new car.
Buying Your New Car

Before you step into a dealer's showroom, it helps to know what car model
and options you want and how much you are willing to spend. That way, you
are less likely to feel pressured into making a hasty or expensive decision and
more likely to get a better deal. To help you shop, you may want to consider
these suggestions:

      Check Internet sites that discuss new car features and prices. These
       may provide information on the dealer's costs for specific models and

      Shop around to get the best possible price by comparing models and
       prices at dealer showrooms. You also may want to contact car-buying
       services and broker-buying services to make comparisons.

      Plan to negotiate on price. Dealers may be willing to bargain on their
       profit margin, which is generally between 10 to 20 percent. This is
       usually the difference between the manufacturer's suggested retail
       price and the invoice price. To help you do this, refer to the worksheet
       listed at the end of this brochure.

      Consider ordering your new car if you do not see the car you want on
       the dealer's lot. This usually involves a delay, but cars on the lot
       frequently have options you do not want -- which add considerably to
       the cost.

Learning the Terms

To give you a better sense of the negotiating room you have when buying a
car, it helps to understand the following terms, listed here in order of
increasing price.

      Invoice Price is the manufacturer's initial charge to the dealer. This is
       usually higher than the dealer's final cost because dealers often
       receive rebates, allowances, discounts, and incentive awards. The
       invoice price always includes freight (also known as destination and
       delivery). If you are buying a car based on the invoice price (for
       invoice"), be sure freight is not added to the sales contract.

      Base Price is the cost of the car without options, but includes standard
       equipment and factory warranty. This price is printed on the Monroney
       sticker (see below).

      Monroney Sticker Price shows the base price, the manufacturer's
       installed options with the manufacturer's suggested retail price, the
       manufacturer's transportation charge, and the fuel economy (mileage).
       It is a label affixed to the car window and is required by federal law.

      Dealer Sticker Price, usually on a supplemental sticker, is the
       Monroney sticker price plus the suggested retail price of dealer-
       installed options, such as additional dealer mark-up (ADM) or additional
       dealer profit (ADP), dealer preparation, and undercoating.

Financing Your New Car

      If you decide to finance your car, check the dealer's interest rate
       against banks, credit unions, savings and loans institutions, and other
       loan companies.

      Sometimes, dealers offer very low financing rates for specific cars or

      To qualify for the special interest rates, you may be required to make a
       large down payment.

      With these conditions, you may find that it is sometimes more
       price or to purchase a car that requires a smaller down payment.

      Some dealers and lenders may ask you to buy credit insurance, which
       pays off your loan if you should die or become disabled. Before you add
       this cost, you may want to consider the benefits available from existing
       policies (i.e. life insurance) you may have. Remember, buying credit
       insurance is not required for a loan.

Trading in Your Old Car

      After getting your new car for the best possible price, only then discuss
       the possibility of a trade-in.

      First, however, find out the value of your old car. You may want to
       check the Internet (Kelly Blue Book, CarPoint, etc.) for sites that can
       tell you how much your car is worth. This information may help you get
       a better overall price from the dealer.

      Remember, too, that though it may take longer, you generally will get
       more money by selling the car yourself.

Considering a Service Contract

certain specified parts or problems. These contracts are offered by
manufacturers, dealers, or independent companies and usually initially run
concurrently with the manufacturer's warranty. Remember: a warranty is
included in the price of the car; a service contract costs extra.
the following questions:
                 What is the difference between the coverage under the warranty and
                  the coverage under the service contract?

                 What repairs are covered?

                 Who pays for the labor? The parts?

                 Who performs the repairs? Can repairs be made elsewhere?

                 How long does the service contract last?

                 What is the cancellation and refund policy?

   1. What are four possible sources of financing?

      1. ____________________________________________________________________

      2. ____________________________________________________________________

      3. ____________________________________________________________________

      4. ____________________________________________________________________

   2. What is the difference between “Dealer Sticker” and “Montroney Sticker”?




   3. What should you know about your “Trade-In” before you negotiate with the dealer?




   4. What are two problems you might encounter with a dealers „Super Low” interest rates?




   5. When is the best time to discuss your Trade-In with the dealer?




Define the following terms:

1.   Invoice Price ________________________________________________________

2.   Dealer Profit Margin __________________________________________________

3. Service Contract ______________________________________________________

4. Manufacturer‟s Warranty _____________________________________________

5. Base Price _____________________________________________________________

6. Monroney Sticker Price ________________________________________________

7. Dealer Sticker Price ___________________________________________________

8. Down Payment _________________________________________________________

9. Credit Insurance _______________________________________________________

10. Trade In _______________________________________________________________

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