TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR BUYING A CAR

• I. Determine beforehand what you can afford and what type of vehicle will best suit your needs. Consider not only the initial cost, but insurance, maintenance and operating costs. SHOP AROUND.
  
• II. Have any used car thoroughly checked out by a qualified individual before purchase to determine any repairs needed now or likely to be needed in the future.
  
• III. Shop for financing just as you shop for the car itself. Look at all of the terms of the financing-number of months, down payment, interest rate, finance charge and total of the payments, not just the monthly payment. If you're getting your own financing, don't agree to buy until you have the lender's approval.
  
• IV. It's the bottom line price, the difference after trading, that really counts. Getting a huge trade allowance doesn't mean much if the car you're buying would have been discounted any way. The important figure is the price you pay after everything has been added in.
  
• V. Most used cars are sold AS-IS. With out any sort of guarantee. If an as-is car breaks after you buy it, you get the pieces; don't expect the dealer to put them back together, because he doesn't have to. His only liability is for the equipment required by state law.
  
• VI. If you do get a warranty, know exactly what is and is not covered, how to get repairs done and what you must do to keep the coverage in effect.
  
• VII. Read everything, and don't sign until you're sure you understand ALL of the terms of the purchase, including the finance contract. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and get copies of everything you sign.
  
• VIII. Have all promises put in writing-an oral contract isn't worth the paper it's printed on.
  
• IX. "High pressure" by itself is not illegal. Don't be afraid to bargain, and don't be afraid to say NO! or walk out.
  
• X. You don't have 72 hours to change your mind. Once you sign, you've probably bought yourself a car.

If you have a problem, or simply a question concerning an, aspect of a motor vehicle purchase, don't hesitate to contact us. But no one can help you if your only problem is that you made a bad deal.

MOTOR VEHICLE DEALERS' ADMINISTRATION
1881 PIERCE STREET
LAKEWOOD, CO 80214
(303) 205-5605

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