Markets Wired

New or used, cars are big-ticket items. Four new 60-second videos from the Federal Trade Commission can help buyers shop with confidence. The mobile-friendly videos, in English and Spanish, offer important information for every stage of the car-buying process.

• Spotting Deceptive Car Ads warns that some car ads promise low payments, no interest, or zero down, but may come with a catch. Researching a dealer’s reputation before visiting the dealership can help consumers steer clear of problems.
• Buying a Used Car covers using online research, the Buyers Guide, a vehicle history report, and an independent inspection to be sure consumers know what they are buying before they buy.
• Financing a Car encourages consumers to shop for financing before shopping for a car.
• Understanding Car Add-ons talks about price-hiking products that dealers may offer.

The videos also are available at ftc.gov/cars and ftc.gov/carros. Please embed them on your website, use them in articles, link to them, and share them on social media. Also, check out our new Spanish-language fotonovela, Avoid Car-Buying Trouble. It tells how to avoid trouble when financing a car through the dealership. Order free copies in Spanish from bulkorder.ftc.gov and view it in English online.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and file a consumer complaint online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.