Press Release

Consumer Reports Used Car Selling or Buying Quiz

03/18/97

So you want to sell/buy that used car!


Lower cost is not the only reason for the trend toward used cars, says
Consumer Reports magazine.  The average age of the car on the road
today is increasing.  One out of three is at least ten years old.
Cars are more reliable than they've ever been, and some models are
likely to be trouble-free for many years.  So your used car may be
worth more when you go to sell it.

1. The most important reason people privately sell their used cars
   instead of trading them in is:
   a) It is easier to buy the next car    b) You can make more money
   c) The Department of Motor Vehicles encourages the transaction

2. Trading in a used car almost always yields more money then selling
   it privately
   a) True                                b) False

3. Which used car is more reliable, overall?
   a) Lexus LS400            b) Ford Taurus SHO      c) Dodge Grand Caravan

4. The average age of a car on the road is about:
   a) 5 years                b) 8 years              c) 10 years

5. Which used car should you avoid?
   a) `89 BMW 3-series       b) `91 Nissan 240SX     c) `94 Chevy Camaro

6. Certified pre-owned vehicles generally come with warranties
   a) True                                b) False

7. The difference between the trade-in value and the private sale
   value of a `93 Chevy S10 Blazer in Miami, FL is:
   a) $150                   b) $560                 c) $2525

8. The trade-in value of a 1995 Honda Accord LX in Charlotte, NC is:
   a) $14,750                b) $12,150              c) $10,350

9. The private sale value of a 1995 Honda Accord LX in Charlotte, NC
   is:
   a) $14,750                b) $12,150              c) $10,350

10. The difference between the trade-in value and private sale value
    of a 1995 Honda Accord LX in Charlotte, NC is:
    a) $500                   b) $1275                c) $2600

Answers

1. B: You can make more money.  But you need to know how much more.
      Use the Consumer Reports Used Car Price Service to give you the dollar
      figures for trade-in versus private sale.

2. B: False

3. A: Lexus LS400.  Based on over 600,000 responses from the Consumer
      Reports readers in the 1996 Annual Questionnaire.

4. B: 8 years.  Cars are increasingly becoming more reliable, with the
      average age of a car on the road increasing from 5 in 1970.

5. C: `94 Chevy Camaro.  Consumer Reports readers found the Camaro to
      troublesome.

6. A: True.  Make sure a warranty is included when buying a certified
      pre-owned vehicle.

7. C: $2525.  A vehicle is usually worth more in a private sale , but
      selling it is often more work for the seller.

8. B: $12,150

9. A: $14,750

10. C: $2600.  The difference between trade-in and private sale for
      the same car is $2600.  You might want that money in your pocket, but
      you have to become a used car salesman for your own car.  To find out
      if the extra work is worth it, call Consumer Reports Used Car Price
      Service at 1-900-329-9111.  A call which lasts about 5 minutes and
      costs $1.75 per minute can save you time and money.

Ratings
Correct Answers      Your Used Car IQ
---------------      ----------------
7-10                 Congratulations.  You know your used cars.
4-6                  Good job.
0-3                  Buying a used car?  Make Sure to call the Used
                     Car Price Service first at 1-900-329-9111!