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Check for obstacles ahead and be ready to hit the brakes when negotiating to buy a new car, say consumer experts. Buyers have been known to get so caught up in the excitement of haggling over prices. they race straight into car purchases without careful thought, says Roberta Allan of the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations (MCCR). Before signing anything, consumers should invea. tigate the performance histories of all cars being considered and check out dealership reputations. Ask friends to recommend a dealer who has provided good follow-up service. Buyers should alao calculate how much they can afford to spend before they start shopping around. Comparison shopping is particularly important when buying a car, " sellers often offer different The automotive industry is one of the few sectors of the North American marketplace that still operates on a bargaining system. Consumers have the chance to "make an offer" instead of being tied to a fixed price. Unfortunately, this system can be confusing. In the process of bargaining, consumers have wound up buying cars unintentionally, says Allan. “They sign offers to purchase and then hand over deposits without realizing what they're doing," she gays. "Some people seem to think the offers they are Signing are just part of the process involved in setting a price. They believe they will still have a chance later to decide whether or not to buy." But an "otfer to purchase" - the standard contract used by car dealers - is legally binding once signed by both buyer and seller. You can't back out of it without facing possible legal action, although it's more likely you’d simply lose your deposit. Always check twice before buying a car Man recommends keeping deposits to a maxi. mum of about five per cent. f'i','i'isi'i,"i"",i".'. in: ' hag/.3 610 d--rwG W, 'le? (if? l Ill.)' a, â€" Fir "o, i'tlkri'a'ra'G s l ' “1,09. " a." j P, . . . "ffjé‘za‘ k“ .\ "l'ii"tit'tE s Fir' 'i,t,ii,1sii'i"'".; ll 15ito1 a f d U' , _ - Young Drivers of Canada [mung teams coast to toast 0vet300000qrathatesof #302sz reauchon on satisfactory course completion Deienswe Dnvmg IS jargon that everyone uses. But few teach the sublect ettecovely Young Drivers us famous throughout the world tor IT'S ACCIDENT-FREE DRIVING HABITS, often called _ survwal trmmng FOR INFORMATION. BROCHURES I COURSE SCHEDULES CALL: Our Driver Trammg Courses Include . Tummy-(we hours nn-class "tstruction with private m-car sessuons on automatic or standard trans- mnssuon cars . Insuucuon available tor all ages C How to stay accudent-free In the City, on the tree- way,1or your enore driving career . Emergency manoeuvenng skills . Young Dnvers CertmcaIe tor lull Insurance When name ace-dents are the leadung cause ot death m young Canadians, we suggest DEFENSIVE 0”va THAT YOU CAN LIVE WITH tram young Drivers ot Canada The ministry has published a brochure on buying new and used cars. For copies contact the Consumer Information Centre, 555 Yonge St., Toronto, Ont. M7A 2H6; (416) 96lr1111 or toll free at 1800-268- 1142. Ontario residents with an 807 area code may call the CIC collect. When ready to Sign an offer, be sure it includes a complete description of the vehicle and the correct price. Details of any warandee and a list of all optional equipment, including prices, should also be set out in writing. The value of any trade-in cars should be stated in the offer. A clause is sometimes included allowing the dealer to reappraiae the trade-in if the condition of the car changes between the date the contract is signed and the day you turn over the old vehicle. Ifyou need a loan to buy the car, the offer should state that the deal is “conditional upon the arrangement by the buyer of satisfactory rmanc. ing." The agreement can then be legally cancelled if your financing requirements cannot be met. Be sure toisho-p around at different rmancial institutions to get the best rates and terms on a When financing is being arranged through the car dealership, the offer to purchase must include a breakdown of all finance charges, set out both in dollars and as an annual percentage rate. The number of payments needed to repay the entire loan must also be shown. The terms and conditions listed on the reverse side of the contract usually allow the dealer up to thfee mogths (90 days) to deliver the car. Consumers who féel they have been treated unfairly or dishonmstly by a car dealer should Contact a local Consumer Services Bureau ofMCCR. Remember to arrange adequate insurance cover- age before driving your new vehicle. 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