A WebQuest created by Jennifer Kollman
John Marshall High School ~ Math Department

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Introduction

You are just out of school, whether it be high school or college, and landed your first job. With $1,500 towards a down payment, you are now going to make one of first big purchases of your life…a new vehicle.   What is it going to be…a truck, a car, a SUV?  Is buying a vehicle all that it is cracked up to be?  You get to find out.

The Task

You and your group will (1) choose a career, (2) determine your annual income, and (3) research all the aspects of purchasing a new vehicle.  The vehicle you choose should not only fit your needs and lifestyle but should be a vehicle you can afford.

The Process

You are to follow all steps.  If there are specific questions on a step, you are to open this WORD document and answer these questions and turn them in with your final project.

Step One – Go to one of these websites www.careerbuilder.com ;  www.careerinfo.net and Occupational Outlook Handbook

1.      Choose a career

2.      Determine your approximate annual salary

3.      Determine your monthly income. 

Step Two - Go to

http://www.edmunds.com/edweb/advice/Car.Buying.afford.htm  and read the article Anatomy of the Car Buying Process.  This article will help you learn about the car buying process and determine the vehicle you can afford.  After reading the first three steps, please answer the following questions [create a WORD document].

1.      What is the general rule of thumb for determining how much money your can afford to spend on a car?

2.      What would your MAXIMUM monthly payment be for your car payment?

3.      What things must you consider when determining what vehicle is right for you?

4.      What are the things that need to be researched and should you be prepared for, before buying a car?

Step Three - Explore this site www.carbuyingtips.com.   It give information on how to get the best deal when purchasing a vehicle.  List two helpful suggestions on the WORD document.

Step Four - There are other expenses in owning a vehicle besides the monthly car payment.  Please read the article “What can you afford” at http://money.cnn.com/pf/101/lessons//17/page2.html and answer the following question:

1.      What are some other expenses related to owning a car?

2.      How much do registration fees cost?

3.      What is the typical purchase price percent for car insurance?

4.      What things influence your car insurance?

5.      What percent of your total monthly net should you consider for monthly car expenses?

 

Step Five - Select a car, truck, or SUV you CAN afford.  Use the following sites:

www.gm.com    www.ford.com   www.autoweb.com   www.carsdirect.com   www.autogiant.com   www.toyota.com   www.honda.com   www.kellybluebook.com  www.dodge.com

Answer the following questions [WORD document]

1.      What is the vehicle that you purchased?

2.      What is the year of the vehicle?

3.      What is the price?

4.      What is the mileage?

5.      Where did you purchase your vehicle?

6.      Give distinguishing features.

7.      Give estimated monthly expenses and insurance cost.

8.      What is the Kelly Blue book value?

9.      Give its Safety Ratings, reliability, warranty, and other special or important information.

  

Step Six - Because you are just graduated from school and have only enough savings for a down payment, you must borrow money in order to purchase your vehicle.  To help calculate your auto loan visit one of these two websites:

www.capitalone.com          or    www.lendingtree.com

 

Step Seven- First research and then purchase car insurance.  Look at www.edmunds.com or www.gieco.com for car insurance advice.   Then select your insurance from one of these two sites.

 

Step Eight - Next, you need to pay for the taxes, titles and licenses for your vehicle.  You may contact Sylvia Romo or your local dealer to determine the cost.  http://www.dot.state.tx.us/vtr/vtrreginfo.htm [Motor Vehicle Registration and Titling website]

 

Step Nine - Create a PowerPoint presentation.  Your power point presentation should include all the steps #1-8.  [see attached PPT guide]

 

Step Ten - Present your PowerPoint presentation to the class.

 

 

Evaluation

Your project will be worth a test grade.

Conclusion:

Buying a vehicle takes a lot of time and work.  A car purchase involves research, shopping, monthly payments, insurance, car expenses, taxes, titles, license, and registration fees.  And after all that work, we often do not even get the car of our dreams.  I hope this project helps you on your first vehicle purchase.

Works Cited
http://www.free-graphics.com/clipart/Transportation/Other/thumbnails3.shtml, http://www.flamingtext.com
All Rights Reserved. Northside Independent School District. February 2005