Chapter 9: Vehicle and Transportation Project
For this project, you will be researching the cost to purchase and own a car.
Your report will need to be typed as a word document. If you would ALSO
like to create a PowerPoint presentation to help you as you present to the
class you may also do that. You will be presenting your findings to the class
during finals week. The report will be worth 150 points and the
presentation will be worth 50 points.
Project:
Part 1: Selecting a Car:
Buying a new car used to mean long hours spent on a car lot bargaining
with a salesperson. Today you can research any car online and find out the
best price before you go to a car lot.
Select a used car that you would like to purchase. Research the cost of
buying the car through a variety of car dealership websites. Compare the
cost of a base model to one with a few options, and one fully loaded. Look
at the car prices listed in the classifieds of your local newspaper or at auto
trader or any other private party car website .You will need to include the
following documentation of your research.
 List a minimum of 5 websites that you searched (including dealership
and private party websites)
 At which sites did you find the best price for each?
 What were the prices for the car at the various sites, and what were
the different options?
You will respond to the following Critical Thinking Questions
1. Why do you think car prices vary so much from dealer to dealer?
2. Did your research affect your opinion of the type of vehicle you’d
like to own?
3. Would you rather buy from an auto dealer or a private owner?
4. What are the pros and cons of buying a car from a private owner
rather than an auto dealer?
5. What did you learn about this car that makes you believe it will be
a reliable and cost efficient vehicle to own? Use consumer reports
if necessary.
Part 2: Financing a Car
Research the car on KBB.com or Edmunds.com to determine what the
wholesale and resale prices are for your vehicle. Determine which car that
you found best meets your needs, is the appropriate price, and you can
“afford.” Detail this information in your report.
Calculate the final cost for your car, including 7.75% sales tax, and 1 years
registration (estimate registration at $250). Calculate the monthly
payments for the vehicle at 5.99% interest, over a 5 year term. Calculations
and detailed information will need to be included in your report.
Part 3: Car Insurance
Select an Insurance company, and determine an accurate quote for liability
insurance, comprehensive insurance, and collision insurance. You do not
have to give them your name or any information. Make sure to include the
options that your car has and an estimated 18,000 miles driven per year.
Include a printed out copy of the quote to include in your report.
Part 4: Operating and Maintaining a Vehicle
Include the answers to these questions.
 Explain the 3 primary costs of operating and maintaining a vehicle?
 Explain how you calculate the cost per mile for maintaining and
operating a vehicle?
 Research the 5 year cost to own the vehicle at Edmunds.com and
provide the information.