"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
The volume is divided into three sections. Section 1, "Troubleshooter's Guide," is organized alphabetically by make and model and year. A typical listing includes the following: a summary of complaints and suggestions to prospective buyers, such as "Test the steering for noises and turning difficulty, give the brakes a thorough test, listen for odd noises" (1988 Dodge Dynasty); a five-star accident-rating system as determined by the percentage of complaints to NHTSA that were associated with accidents; "recall alert" (with a reference to see the "Recall Index," section 3); and "Hot Spots," which excerpts complaints by category (automatic transmission, brakes, etc.). A theft-alert rating is given for the 100 most frequently stolen automobiles in 1993 (as determined by a Chicago firm that provides information to insurance companies). Section 2, "Safety Comparisons," is a ranking of the top-100 vehicles with the worst accident-to-complaint ratio and the major causes of accidents for each vehicle, with the same two breakdowns arranged by automobile class (compact cars, large cars, etc.). The "Recall Index" (section 3), listing NHTSA-mandated recalls, describes defects, consequence of the defects, and corrective action. A brief glossary of technical terms used in the guide concludes the volume.
Besides Berliant, three other guides--with established reputations for providing reliable information--are available: Jack Gillis' Used Car Book (HarperPerennial), Used Car Buying Guide (Consumer Reports Books), and Best Used Car Buys, the August 1994 issue of Consumer Guide Magazine's Auto Series. Each adds much additional information, such as miles per gallon, average price and price range, buying tires, insurance, warranties, and specifications. Used Car Reliability & Safety Guide supplements but does not supplant the Gillis, Consumer Reports, and Consumer Guide titles. Indeed, public libraries with both the Gillis and Consumer Reports books could adequately satisfy most patron requests for used-car information, although at this low price, libraries can always use another title.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
(No Available Copies)
Search Books: Create a WantIf you know the book but cannot find it on AbeBooks, we can automatically search for it on your behalf as new inventory is added. If it is added to AbeBooks by one of our member booksellers, we will notify you!
Create a Want