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Writing: Lisa Siegle Lee White Interactives: Lee White William Haldane Artist: William Haldane Graphic Design: Kristian Hansen
Preface Car Dreams Mentor s Manual Preface 1 Welcome Transportation is a big part of life. We have to get to work, to school, to the supermarket, and to have fun. In this mentor manual, we will take a quick look at general transportation options, followed by the main program on how to buy a used car. Because so much of what is discussed in this program is suitable for everyone, in this booklet we generally use the term you, meaning both mentor and mentee. General Transportation There are many options for getting around, and what works for you depends a lot on where you live and your situation. If you live rurally, generally you need a car or truck. If you live in a city, your best option might be public transportation, foot, or bicycle. Discuss the possibility of using these ways of getting around: Bus Taxis Share a car Subway/light rail Skate board Scooter Motorcycle Horse Can you think of other ways? On Vstreet, there are two Getting Ready ezines that deal with transportation costs and choices. To view them, go to your Vroom and on the table (bottom right hand corner) there is a stack of Getting Ready ezines. Click on them; a rack of magazines will show up. Find and click on Transportation, Volume 1, Issue 9 (top rack, left of center). Read Car Costs Click on the tab answer questions and work together to answer the questions Read Oil s Well that Runs Well Work together to answer the questions Find and click on Personal Care Volume 1, Issue 8 (next to Transportation) Read Bicycle Way of Life Work together to answer the questions.
Car Dreams Mentor s Manual Preface 2 Discussion How much can you spend on transportation each month? Does your work or school have a free bus pass program? Is your schedule open enough to allow you to use slower forms of getting around, like walking or biking or busses? A Note Many areas are geared towards cars and driving is really the best way to get around. If that s true for you, the rest of this program, Car Dreams will help you learn about buying a used car, insurance, and titles. Car Dreams Preview Eric the Car Dude dreams of beautiful cars, like the 93 Thunderbird he spotted on a used car lot. But Eric knows a thing or two about cars and avoids an expensive mistake. In Car Dreams, Eric shares his knowledge about inspecting and road testing used cars, insurance, and titles to help you make an informed used car purchase. This is a highly entertaining short program, under 30 minutes, and can be completed in one sitting. After completing the program, you can go back to sections you want to review and take notes on. For this class, sample answers are given for some questions in the Discussion & Activities section. However, there is more than one right answer for most questions, so think about some other solutions to the problems or questions posed. It s a good idea to make notes to refer to when you are checking out cars. Thank you for visiting us on Vstreet.
Introduction A Close Call Car Dreams Mentor s Manual Introduction: A Close Call 3 Purpose To learn the importance of getting a used car inspected by an independent auto mechanic before buying it. To learn how to conduct a preliminary car inspection, before spending time and money on getting a professional inspection. Overview Eric goes gaga over a 93 Thunderbird, but an independent mechanic tells him the transmission s about to kick the bucket and a replacement would cost $5,000. He passes on the T-bird and although he still thinks it s a beauty, he s glad he didn t buy a lemon. Watch Car Dreams, Introduction: A Close Call Discussion & Activities When the salesman offered to slash the price of the T-bird in half, do you think Eric should have accepted the offer? Why or why not? Discuss how Eric dealt with his love factor; that is, he loved the T-bird and wanted it big-time, but decided not to get it when he heard it had major problems. Is this something you could do? Why shouldn t you take the dealer s word for it that a car is fine? What if the dealer s mechanic says it s great? The dealer and his mechanic are motivated to sell cars; an independent mechanic has nothing to gain from stretching the truth about the condition of a used car. Is it worth it to pay to have an inspection by an independent mechanic? Discuss which garage or mechanic you would trust. Call a garage and ask how much they charge to check out a car and what they look at. Why not have a friend or relative check it out for you? Are you certain of your friend s skills as a mechanic? If the car has a computer, does your friend understand how to use it? This could be a first step; if the friend gives the car a thumb s up, then you could take it to the independent mechanic for an inspection.
Car Dreams Mentor s Manual Introduction: A Close Call 4 Discuss what a purchase agreement or contract means and when to sign it. Sign only after the car is inspected. Sign only when you are certain you want to buy the car. Be careful of anything you sign before you are absolutely certain you have found the right car. A Final Note Salesmen can be clever at making customers do what they want. It s important to remember that it s your money he s after and you have the choice of where to spend it. You have a right to straight answers. If a salesman is particularly difficult to deal with or makes you feel bad, walk away and don t go back.
Chapter One Check it Out Car Dreams Mentor s Manual Chapter One: Check it Out 5 Purpose To learn how to check under the hood of a car. To learn how to inspect the interior of the car. To learn how to inspect the exterior of the car. Overview Eric shows how to test all major systems of a car including: Under the hood Exhaust, battery, oil, transmission fluid, wires, radiator, hoses and starting engine Interior Condition of the upholstery, safety features, accessories, vehicle identification number, odometer, windshield Exterior Tires, rust, signs of accident or neglect, doors and hood, electronic components Watch Car Dreams, Chapter One, Check it Out Discussion & Activities What are the first steps in choosing a car? Know the size and kind of car you need Know your budget range and only look for cars in that range Know what extra costs you need to expect like title costs, insurance, traffic tickets, service and repairs, parking, etc. and add them into your budget Do a visual inspection What types of problems are bad enough to rule out taking the car to a mechanic to check it over? Mucky oil on the dip stick Burned oil smell on transmission dip stick Blue smoke coming from the engine Lots of electrical things that don t work Smelly interior unless you are sure you can tolerate the stink
Car Dreams Mentor s Manual Chapter One: Check it Out 6 Lots of accessories that don t work VIN number missing or tampered with check number on door jam and compare to the one in the front window Heavy rust on the car s body Chunks missing or tires worn in a pattern could indicate body damage affecting alignment lots of poor quality work done on the car wires dangling, bolts missing, parts missing blue smoke coming out of tailpipe misaligned doors that are hard to shut demonstrates auto body fatigue signs of a major accident signs that the car has been in a flood Problems that need to be considered, but aren t necessarily bad enough to rule out taking the ideal car in for an inspection: Bad battery might be an electrical problem or just an old battery Squeaks find out what the squeak means Tires if tires are worn smoothly, but will need replacement in a while Some leaks minor dripping of water from engine area A broken window most can be easily replaced What repairs can you make yourself? Some community colleges have classes for learning do-it-yourself car maintenance and repair. Is there such a program near you? Are you willing to learn more about cars? Most used cars will have some problems at some point, maybe even shortly after they are sold. Do you have enough income or savings to cover car repairs? What if the salesman says their company policy or insurance coverage prevents customers from taking the car for an independent inspection? What if he requires proof of insurance? If the car owner refuses to let you take the car in for inspection, do business elsewhere. You might need someone who already has insurance go with you to drive the car for the inspection. A Final Note There s a lot to look at and think about when car shopping. It might help to take a level-headed friend or relative along, especially one who knows a lot about cars. People buy used cars every day, and it s up to you to make sure you aren t buying someone else s problems. There are lots of used cars to pick from, so take your time.
Chapter Two Road Test Car Dreams Mentor s Manual Chapter Two: Road Test 7 Purpose To learn how to check for major problems with gauges, steering, brakes or gears, and to check for leaks. Overview Hop in the car with Eric as he test drives cars. He ll show what to listen for, feel for, and look for. Watch Car Dreams, Chapter Two: Road Test Discussion & Activities Discuss how you can develop a sense for what is right and wrong in a car. How can you learn the most from a test drive? Turn off all noises, like radio, heater, etc. Drive the car with the windows up, and then with them down, to listen for sounds What would be a problem that would most likely rule the car out? Slipping transmission or weird sounds Clunking sounds or steering problems When stopping the car, the brakes make a scraping sound indicates pads, shoes and drums are worn, which is expensive The engine warning light stays on Leaks of engine oil or transmission fluid The automatic transmission slips On a standard transmission, the sound of clicking gears, or a slipping clutch What would be considered a smaller problem, but must be looked at by the mechanic and the cost of repairs factored into the budget? Leaky exhaust system Lights or gauges not working Brakes not working properly probably needs new pads, a moderate repair
Car Dreams Mentor s Manual Chapter Two: Road Test 8 Thumping in the tires probably not serious What if there are no obvious problems with a car, but it still doesn t seem okay to you or you don t like the way it handles? Get an independent inspection. A car that seems a little off might have something serious wrong with it that can t be detected without professional training. Tip: If you test drives lots of cars, even ones you re not terribly interested in, you will learn to better evaluate the cars you are interested in.
Chapter Three Insurance Car Dreams Mentor s Manual Chapter 3: Insurance 9 Purpose To learn what the different types of auto insurance cover. Overview There are five types of auto insurance: Liability Collision Comprehensive Uninsured motorist Personal injury Each covers different types of mishaps. A game at the end tests your understanding of what each type covers. Watch Car Dreams, Chapter Three: Insurance Discussion & activities Discuss if the state considers driving a right or a privilege. Why? Play the Insurance Game What kind of insurance is every car owner required by law to have? What is a deductible? The amount a person has to pay before his insurance kicks in and pays the rest. Premiums are higher for a policy with a small deductible. What happens if an accident is your fault and you don t have insurance? After all, if the other person has uninsured motorist protection, they ll get their money, right? It is against the law to have absolutely no insurance. Most states take away your privilege to drive and fine you. Plus, you could be sued by the other driver. At the very least, you ll be stuck with all the bills for your own medical costs and automobile damages. A Final Note Insurance can be complicated and expensive so it s important to shop around for a policy that gives the coverage you need for a price you can afford. If you don t understand something, keep asking questions and never sign a contract you don t understand.
Chapter Four Title Car Dreams Mentor s Manual Chapter Four: Title 10 Purpose To learn what a title is. To learn how to fill out and transfer a title. To understand the language used in titles. Overview The blue-haired woman at the DMV (department of motor vehicles) explains what a title is, how to fill out and transfer a title, and what a lien is. Watch Car Dreams, Chapter Four: Title Discussion & Activities What is a title? What is a lien? What documents should you take with you to the DMV to register the title? A Final Note Many states have DMV or BMV (bureau of motor vehicles) facts and forms available on their Web sites. While most will require you to take the completed paperwork to an office, you will save a lot of time by following the online instructions to collect all necessary documents and complete paperwork before you go to the office. To find the Web site for your state s motor vehicles division, search your state name and DMV or BMV; for example, Ohio BMV.
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