Minnesota Attorney General's Office
1400 Bremer Tower
445 Minnesota Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 296-3353
(800) 657-3787
M - F 8 am - 5 pm
TTY:(651) 297-7206
TTY:(800) 366-4812
The Car Handbook
So you want wheels. And you want the best deals on wheels. You've come to the right place. The Minnesota Attorney General's Office has compiled the latest research and tips on buying cars, with crucial information concerning your legal rights as a consumer. We hope we've provided the information you'll need to make a deal that you'll be happy with.
There is no three-day right to cancel ...
If we could impart just one piece of information, it would be to remind you that there is no three-day right to cancel a car contract. Once you sign on the dotted line, the car is yours. The Attorney General’s Office hears from many consumers every Monday morning who assume they can still return the car they bought Friday night. They can’t. But they learn this lesson the hard away. So, don’t be one of our remorseful Monday morning callers — remember, when you buy a car it’s yours!
Chapter 1: Driven to Buy a Car?
- Buying New vs. Used
- Buying vs. Leasing
- Figuring It Out
- Fixed Fees
- Flexible Costs
- An Appreciation for Depreciation
Chapter 3: Hit the Books Before the Accelerator
- Consider Your Needs and Wants
- Ask Around
- Visit the Library
- Compare Costs
- Make a Safe Choice
- Safety Equipment
- The Test Drive
- It's Gotta Be New
- Selecting Used-Car Sellers
Chapter 5: Negotiate From the Driver's Seat
- Playing the Game
- Know the Dealer's Invoice
- Understanding Types of Sales
- Negotiation Strategy
- Trade-ins
- It's Not Over Until It's Over
- Closing the Sale
- Minnesota's Lemon Law
Chapter 6: Considering an "Experienced"Car?
- What's a Used Car Worth?
- Three Ways to Get What You Pay For
- Your Personal Inspection
- Test Driving a Used Car
- Final Issues
- Signing the Contract
Chapter 7: Get a Lease on Leasing
- What Is Leasing and Why Is It So Popular?
- Who Typically Leases?
- Examples of Negative and Positive Equity
- Tip
- Who's Who in Leasing?
- Bumper-to-Bumper Fees
- Leasing vs. Buying When Ownership Is the Goal
- Buying the Car at the End of the Lease
- Leasing Glossary
- What the Dealer Must Tell You
- Raise Your Leasing I.Q.
- Figure Your Lease Payment
- Done!
- Leasing Form
Chapter 8: Words About Warranties
- New Car Warranties
- Used Car Warranty Law
- Lawsuits
- The Buyer's Guide
- What If a Part Breaks?
- Refund? It's Dealer's Choice
- So-Called Extended Warranties
- Making Reservations
- The Cost
- Insurance and Waivers
Chapter 10: Get Square on Repairs
- Your Rights When Your Car Is Repaired
- How to Choose a Repair Shop
- How to Find the Best Technician
- Estimate the Damage
- When to Get a Second Opinion
- Get an Invoice
- An Ounce of Prevention
- Resolving Disputes Over Repairs
A: Top Ten Tips for Buying a Car
C: Car Pricing Comparison Worksheet
D: Insurance Comparison Worksheet
