Facilitator's Guide: - College in Colorado

Grade 11, Money Matters 3: Let’s Go Car Shopping!
Student Handbook, Find Your Car
Find Your Car
Which car would you choose if you were looking today? Use information on the web
to find and compare your options.
Step 1: Find the Cars You’re Looking for
Use online classified ads like www.cars.com to search the web by make, model, year, and price.
Record the information you find under “Car Details.”
Step 2: Check the Price
Research each car’s value using Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com). You can input the car’s year,
make, model, mileage, overall condition, and other details to find its value. Record this information
under “Car Value.”
Step 3: Check Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency and Estimate Fuel Costs
Check out each car’s MPG at www.fueleconomy.gov. Click on “Compare Side by Side.” Enter the
car’s year, make, and model. Then look under “Estimated New EPA MPG” and enter the “Estimated
MPG” for city driving, highway driving, and combined. Enter the “Annual Fuel Cost” (estimated
cost of gas per year).
Step 4: Investigate the Car’s History
Once you’ve identified your top choices, you can research the history of specific cars at
www.carfax.com and similar websites. By entering the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN),
you can find its history – fires, floods, accidents, even repairs. There’s a charge for this service, so
check the website for current rates. (You can also find safety and reliability ratings on this website
free of charge.) Note: You should always have a reliable mechanic check out a used car you’re
considering. A report from Carfax (or a similar service) is not a substitute for an inspection by a
qualified mechanic.
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