Veterans Day Message: Honoring Latino Military Servicemembers And Their Commitment To America.

AutoSmarts Program

A program to educate Hispanic consumers about the car buying process including negotiating the best price on new and used cars and how to avoid undisclosed mark-ups with dealer financing.

DO's and good practices

  • Examine your needs rather than your wants.
  • Establish a realistic monthly payment that will fit into your budget.
  • Research before going to the showrooms.
  • Estimate the long-term ownership costs.
  • Check the internet.
  • Schedule an appointment for a test drive.
  • During the test drive, drive the car in both stop-and-go traffic and at freeway speeds. Spend enough time really looking at it.
  • Drive other types of cars at other dealerships.

DO NOT'S and bad practices

  • Don't be rushed. Don't leap at the first "good deal'' you see. Take your time and check all details carefully. There will always be another good deal.
  • Don't forget local dealers. They may beat any price you dig up on the Internet.
  • Don't buy sight unseen. Make a personal, up-close examination of the vehicle before agreeing to take delivery.
  • Don't pay for dealer extras you don't need. These can include rust proofing, extended-service warranties, paint sealant, and fabric protection.

Resources

SmartEdge by GMAC.
This is your web site for information about smart vehicle financing. With easy to understand tips, helpful advice and demos, you can learn all about financing your first or next car. And did we mention, it's free ...Learn more





Edmunds.com
Our Mission is to empower automotive consumers by providing complete, clear, timely, accurate and unbiased information needed to make informed purchase and ownership decisions ...more






Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports® and ConsumerReports.org® are published by Consumers Union, an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves ...more




Safercar.gov
Become a smarter driver and check our safety information. Also, Check our five star crash test and rollover ratings since 1990, and file a complaint, check ongoing investigations or check for recalls ...more





National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
NHTSA is committed to provide the most accurate and complete information available to its customers, the American traveling public, in a helpful and courteous fashion. Our mission is to save lives, prevent injuries and reduce economic costs due to road traffic crashes ...more


Federal Trade Commission for the Consumer
We all need to get where we’re going, and for most of us, the vehicle of choice is an automobile. For many consumers, a new car is second only to a home as the most expensive purchase they ever make ...more