Student Worksheet
/ Buying a New or Used Car / Name:______
Skill-Building Activity / Date:______
Vehicle Comparison Shopping / Class Period:______

Section1

Directions: Identify your personal transportation wants and needs by answering the following questions:

How will you use your car? Choose all that apply.

Drive to schoolDrive to work

Carry friendsCarry family members

Hauling Sports and Recreation

What kinds of roads will you drive on? This will help you decide whether you need a front-wheel, rear-wheel, or four-wheel drive vehicle.

HighwayCity

SuburbanRural

Off-roadMountain roadsSnow conditions

Where will you park your car most of the time? Your parking space will determine the amount of money you will want to spend if the carisn’t protected from the weather or theft.

DrivewayStreet

Parking lotGarage

What extra features would you like in a car?

Sun roof/Moon roofManual or automatic transmission

Air-conditioningTraction control

CD playerPower windows and doors

Antilock brakesTinted windows

Power steeringAirbags

Other ______

How will you pay for your vehicle? You need to know how you will pay for your car to prepare for financing a loan, if required.

CashLoan

How will you carry insurance? Identifying your insurance requirements will help you gain an accurate quote from an insurance company.

Your parents’ policyYour own policy

Do you qualify for any insurance discounts? Knowing what discounts you qualify for will help you to get an accurate quote from an insurance company.

Good studentNon-drinking and nonsmoking

Driver’s educationNo past accidents or tickets

Section 2

Directions: Identify three types of vehicles that meet your specifications for features and complete the questions below. Research to compare pricing and features for your three choices. Possible online resources include:

Estimate your annual fuel cost at: based on the average of 15,000 miles per year. Find & Compare Cars / Select Year, Make, and Model / Use your Gas Prices

Vehicle 1: Year: Make: Model:

Price:

Annual FuelCost:Monthly:MPG:

Features:

Vehicle 2: Year: Make: Model:

Price:

Annual Fuel Cost:Monthly:MPG:

Features:

Vehicle 3: Year: Make: Model:

Price:

Annual Fuel Cost:Monthly:MPG:

Features:

Which vehicle would you choose and why?

Do you think you can afford this car? If not, what would you be willing to give up?