Automobile Tips

New Car Tips

Check your local library, bookstore or the internet for information on the vehicle you wish to purchase before you go shopping. Research invoice price, financing options and repair history.

Read and/or watch advertisements carefully, making sure to know all the details of the offer.

Negotiate the total price of the car rather than the monthly payment for a lease or purchase.

Leasing a car and buying a car are two very different transactions. When leasing, low payments combined with a high buy-out (residual) price may not be the best deal in the long run.

Get everything in writing, including all verbal promises.

READ READ READ! Everything! If you don’t understand something, ask about it before you sign the contract.

There is no three day right to cancel and automobile purchase.

Used Car Tips

Before you buy, you can check a vehicle`s history through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles at www.dps.state.oh.us/atps.

Before you pay for a vehicle history report, ask what repair records it includes.

Never buy a car at night or in the rain.

Take the car for an extended test drive (at least 45 minutes).

Have a trustworthy mechanic thoroughly check the car for problems.

“AS IS” means just that; the car is not covered by warranty and you will be responsible for the repairs.

The Lemon Law does not cover vehicles more than one year old or driven more than 18,000 miles.

Car Repair Tips

Check a repair shop`s reputation with the Attorney General`s Office and the Better Business Bureau.

If the cost of repairs will be more than $25.00, you have the right to choose a written estimate, an oral estimate or no estimate at all.

Save copies of estimates, invoices, work orders, receipts, guarantees and warranties.

Ask about warranties and insist that they be put in writing.