Book Opener

The Opening SceneNewlyweds Mei and Bruce are looking at advertisementsfor used cars in the newspaper.The Test DriveMEI: Here’s a good deal. A new car for only$403.93 a month, and with nothing down.BRUCE: How many months do you have to pay?MEI: The ad doesn’t say.BRUCE: What’s the interest rate?MEI: I don’t see anything about interest. Wait, there’ssome small print at the bottom. Oh no, this ad is forleasing the car, not buying it.BRUCE: Let’s go over to that used car lot on Broadwayand look around. We don’t have to buy anything.(A short time later, Mei and Bruce visit the used car lot.)BRUCE: This one’s real sharp (Kicking the tire of acar.). The sign says $5,988. I’ll bet they’ll take$5,000.MEI: I wonder if it has a warranty?BRUCE: The sign doesn’t say.SALES ASSOCIATE: (Approaching with outstretchedhand.) Hello, my name’s Tamara. Can I help you?MEI: What kind of warranty does this car have?TAMARA: Thirty days, parts and labor. This one’s ahoney! It belonged to a retired couple who hardlyever drove it. See the mileage? Only 30,000.BRUCE: Do you mind if we take it for a spin?TAMARA: I’ll get you the key.(With Bruce sitting on the passenger side, Mei drivesthe car out of the lot.)BRUCE: How does it feel, honey?MEI: Smooth. Wonder what all these buttons andlights are on the dash?BRUCE: (Opening the glove compartment.) Here’s theowner’s manual; let’s check. Say, look at this. (Hetakes a paper out of the manual.) It’s a receipt forwork done on this car six months ago. It says it had97,000 miles on it then!MEI: What? (Suddenly, the car in front of them stops,and Mei slams on the brakes.) The brakes aren’tholding! (CRASH! The cars collide, and the frontcar’s rear bumper and trunk are dented. The carMei is test-driving is not damaged.)MEI: Are you all right, Bruce?BRUCE: Sure, we weren’t going fast.MOTORIST: (Approaching Mei’s car.) What’s thematter? Didn’t you see me stop?MEI: The brakes are no good! We are just testdrivingthis car. It belongs to a dealer.MOTORIST: Look at that! You ruined the back of mycar and didn’t even scratch yours.BRUCE: They don’t make bumpers like this car’sanymore. Don’t worry. The dealer’s collisioninsurance will cover it.MOTORIST: I sure hope so.1. Does a newspaper ad that states the monthly paymentto lease a car have to include informationabout other costs?2. Must a dealership display information aboutwarranties on used cars?3. Does the buyer of an automobile have any legalprotection against having the odometer (mileagemeter) turned back?4. Does a consumer have any protection againstweak bumpers placed on automobiles bymanufacturers?5. Does collision insurance pay for damages tosomeone else’s car?Chapter 16: Owning a Vehicle 337