Auto Purchase & Repairs
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Before buying a car, you should do a little research to see what kind of car you want and how much you are willing to spend. You will feel less pressured by the dealer if you have an idea of what you are looking for and how much you can expect to pay.
- Publications discussing car features and prices are available at bookstores and on the internet.
- Shop around; compare models and prices in advertisements and car dealerships. When buying a car, remember that everything is negotiable, and you can always walk away if you are not satisfied.
- Negotiate the price of the car, not the monthly payments.
- If you are going to use a lender to finance the purchase price, find out the best deal you can get on your own without going through the dealership. However, a dealer can sometimes offer a better deal because many lenders pay the dealer for placing loans with them.
- Have the salesperson explain everything you do not fully understand. If the salesperson is unwilling or unable to explain everything to your satisfaction, you should ask to speak to a supervisor who can answer your questions, or you can leave.
- Take notes during your negotiation with the salesperson. Make sure that everything he/she tells you is in the purchase contract.
- You do not have to leave a security deposit to negotiate a price. If you are asked to sign a credit card receipt or sign a check, you have the right to say "no."
- Do not take the car until the dealer tells you in writing that a lender has approved you for financing. If you take the car before final approval, you could lose your trade-in or owe money for miles you put on the car if you are not approved by a lender. Some auto purchase contracts now contain clauses which appear to be very unfair to a purchaser if the financing is not approved by the lender before the car leaves the dealer's place of business.
- Do not be afraid to have a mechanic inspect the car before you buy it. You have a right to know the condition of the car and its repair history.
As of January 1, 2002, Arizona law now requires automobile owners to remove the license plate from their vehicle when it is sold. The plate may be transferred to another vehicle, or turned in to the MVD for credit.
A person buying a used vehicle from a private owner must visit any MVD office (or authorized third party office) to obtain a temporary 3-day Restricted Use Permit, and then transfer their old plate and register the vehicle within 15 days. The buyer may also print out the 3-day Restricted Use Permit from the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division web site.
An auto repair can be an expensive responsibility for students who usually live on a limited budget. If you need work done on your car:
Arizona State Lemon Law, A.R.S. § 44-1261-1267
- Find a reputable mechanic
- Ask your friends, co-workers, or employer for a recommendation. You may also call the Better Business Bureau to see if anyone filed a complaint against a particular business.
- Obtain a written estimate
- The estimate should include specific repairs, a breakdown of parts and labor costs, and when the work will be finished. The mechanic may not make any other unauthorized repairs.Try to avoid signing any paper which gives a repair shop the right to do repairs you have not approved of in advance. You may wish to take a car to more than one shop to obtain an estimate.
Arizona State Lemon Law, A.R.S. § 44-1261-1267
- Federal Trade Commission Official Website
- This site has useful information on consumer protection.
- Arizona Secretary of State Official Website
- This site contains information regarding telemarketing laws, commercial codes, administrative regulations, and other public information.
- Arizona Attorney General's Official Website
- This site has information on consumer fraud, how to file consumer complaints, and many helpful consumer tips.
Last updated: May 19, 2008 by Memorial Union WebTeam