The Used Car Book, 1999-2000

by Jack Gillis; Daniel K. Gustafson; Amy B. Curran

• ISBN13: 9780062734457
• ISBN10: 0062734458
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-05-14
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publications

Summary

Long known as the most consumer-oriented car buyer's guide, the completely updated The Used Car Book 1999-2000 has maintained the classic simplicity that for 11 years has led hundreds of thousands of car buyers to the best choices among the over 40 million used vehicles sold each year. While other car guides offer only manufacturer's specifications, The Used Car Book 1999-2000 sifts through the claims, the facts, the specifications and, with unique performance measurements, evaluates 1990-1999 cars and minivans. Jack Gillis once again proves why he is America's most sought after consumer expert on cars. Book jacket.

Author Biography

Jack Gillis is Director of Public Affairs for the Consumer Federation of America. Previously, he spent three years with the U.S. Department of Transportation, where he was responsible for developing the government's automotive information program. An expert on consumer affairs, he is Contributing Consumer Correspondent for NBC's "Today Show." A few years ago, Madison Avenue Magazine said "Jack Gillis is out to change the way Americans buy their cars." And he has.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	4	(1)
Introduction	5	(2)
Part One: Finding Them, Checking Them Out, Getting the Best Price, and Selling Your Car
Finding Them	7	(3)
Understanding the Classifieds	9	(1)
Checking Them Out	10	(15)
Questions for the Owner	11	(1)
Inside Checklist	12	(2)
Outside Checklist	14	(2)
Under the Hood	16	(2)
The Test Drive	18	(2)
Avoiding Odometer Fraud	20	(1)
Mechanic's Checklist	21	(1)
Safety Checklist	22	(1)
Safety: The Good and The Bad	23	(2)
Getting the Best Price	25	(7)
Financing	27	(1)
Ending Your Lease	28	(1)
The Blue Book Value	29	(1)
Warranties	30	(1)
Service Contracts	31	(1)
Selling Your Car	32	(3)
Getting Ready to Sell	32	(3)
Part Two: Keeping Them Going
Keeping Them Going	35	(26)
Reducing Insurance Costs	37	(2)
Vehicle Theft	39	(1)
Safety	40	(1)
Crash Tests	41	(1)
Child Safety Seats	42	(1)
Tips for Using Your Child Safety Seat	43	(1)
Keeping It Going	44	(2)
Tips for Dealing with a Mechanic	46	(1)
Secret Warranties	47	(1)
Tires	48	(1)
Buying Tires	49	(1)
Tire Pricing: Getting the Best Value	50	(1)
How Long Will They Last?	51	(3)
Resolving Complaints	54	(1)
Lemon Laundering	55	(1)
Center for Auto Safety	56	(2)
Consumer and Government Agencies	58	(1)
Auto Safety Hotline	59	(1)
Auto Manufacturers	60	(1)
Part Three: How They Rate
How They Rate	61	(7)
Best Bets by Size	62	(1)
Best Bets by Price	63	(2)
Cars to Stay Away From	65	(1)
Ratings Explanation	66	(2)
The Ratings	68