Self-help information through various links, documents, publications, etc. Check the Community Directory Channel for more resources.
There are 22 resources
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66 Ways to Save Money
(Separate Website)
This web site lists many ways to save money in transportation, food, housing, banking and other needs. From the Consumer Literacy Consortium, a working group of representatives from federal and state government agencies, consumer groups, business organizations, and educational institutions that seeks to develop and disseminate essential messages to inform and educate consumers.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Automobile Warranties
(Separate Website)
Lawline FAQ: There are two types of warranties that may come with the purchase of both new and used cars: express warranties and implied warranties. Be sure you know your rights under express and implied warranties, as well as extended warranties and service contracts.
By: South Carolina Bar Association
Automobiles - FTC Web Site for Consumers
(Separate Website)
This web site contains information about buying a new car, buying a used car, leasing a car, renting a car and fuel costs and expenses. The web site also contains information for businesses that sell or lease vehicles.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Automobiles - Lemon Law
(Separate Website)
By: SC Department of Consumer Affairs
Buying a Used Car (Spanish Version)
(Separate Website)
PDF document (may load slowly).
By: South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Buying Selling, or Leasing a Car
(Separate Website)
So, you plan to buy a car. The thought might excite you, or maybe it makes you anxious. But no matter how you feel about it, the bottom line is that you are about to make a major purchase to part with a substantial amount of hard-earned dollars for an item that is going to be around for a while. Here are some tips on making the experience a happy one.
By: American Bar Association
Car Loans
(Separate Website)
Before you say “yes,” there are many things
you should know to avoid making a bad deal when taking out a loan to buy a car.
By: Appleseed Foundation
Car Loans: Understanding Vehicle Financing
(Separate Website)
Understanding Vehicle Financing
With prices averaging more than $20,000 for a new vehicle and $9,500 for a four-year-old vehicle, most consumers need financing or leasing to acquire a vehicle. In some cases, buyers use “direct lending:” they obtain a loan directly from a finance company, bank or credit union. In direct lending, a buyer agrees to pay the amount financed, plus an agreed-upon finance charge, over a period of time. Once a buyer and a vehicle dealership enter into a contract and the buyer agrees to a vehicle price, the buyer uses the loan proceeds from the direct lender to pay the dealership for the vehicle. Use this web site to find out more about car loans.
By: Federal Trade Commission
Complaint Services
(Separate Website)
The South Carolina Consumer Protection Code gives the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs' Administrator broad powers and responsibilities to accept all types of complaints dealing with any consumer transaction arising out of the production, promotion or sale of consumer goods and services. The Division of Consumer Services is responsible for processing and evaluating consumer complaints received by the Department. The division endeavors to determine the probable basis and merit of each complaint. The evaluation of each complaint also includes advising consumers of the results of our determination.
By: SC Department of Consumer Affairs
Consumer Debts and the Law
(Separate Website)
Do you owe someone money? Having trouble paying off your debt? This brochure can help you understand your rights as a consumer debtor. PDF document (may load slowly).
By: South Carolina Bar Association
Consumer Rights in Auto Repossessions
(Separate Website)
Lawline FAQ: Before a lender can repossess your car you must have used your car as collateral for the loan and you must have defaulted on your contract with the lender. Usually, when you borrow money to buy a car, you have to use the car as collateral. If you do so and get behind on your payments, your contract will say that you have defaulted and your car may be repossessed. Although your contract with the lender governs the default and the repossession, you still have certain rights under state and federal law.
By: South Carolina Bar Association
Dealing with Automobile Dealerships
(Separate Website)
Lawline FAQ: Nearly everyone has had an unpleasant experience in buying or maintaining an automobile or knows someone who has. Also, nearly everyone knows of cars that have given years and years of trouble-free service. To protect your legal rights and ensure that your purchase will meet your needs and provide minimal aggravation, you need to take certain steps both before and after the purchase.
By: South Carolina Bar Association
Equal Credit Opportunity Act
(Separate Website)
Lawline FAQ: This act applies to banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions, finance companies, department stores, credit card issuers, car and appliance dealers and all others who regularly grant credit. The Act does not guarantee credit. You must still pass the creditor's tests of creditworthiness, but the tests must be applied impartially, and without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, receipt of public assistance or because you exercise your rights under federal laws.
By: South Carolina Bar Association
FuelEconomy.gov
(Separate Website)
This web site helps you (1) find and compare cars based on fuel efficiency, (2) get gas mileage tips, (3) examine gasoline prices, (4) learn about fuel economy ratings (4) learn why fuel economy is important, and (5) learn about new hybrid, electric and alternative energy vehicles.
By: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy
Keys to Vehicle Leasing: A Consumer Guide
(Separate Website)
Under the federal Consumer Leasing Act, you, the consumer, have a right to information about the costs and terms of a vehicle lease. This information will help you compare lease offers and negotiate a lease that best fits your needs, budget, and driving patterns. This quick consumer guide is for a closed-end lease, the most common type of vehicle lease.
By: The Federal Reserve Board
Lemon Law FAQs
(Separate Website)
By: SC Department of Consumer Affairs
Lemon Laws
(Separate Website)
Lawline FAQ: South Carolina has a lemon law. This law protects consumers who purchase or lease a new car on or after October 3, 1989, if the new car turns out to be defective. Find out the three conditions a car must meet to be considered a lemon, and what you can do if your car is a lemon.
By: South Carolina Bar Association
National Association of Consumer Advocates
(Separate Website)
The National Association of Consumer Advocates (NACA) is a nationwide organization of more than 1500 members who represent and have represented hundreds of thousands of consumers victimized by fraudulent, abusive and predatory business practices
By: South Carolina Legal Services - Columbia
National Consumer Law Center
(Separate Website)
The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) is the nation?s consumer law expert, helping consumers, their advocates, and public policy makers use powerful and complex consumer laws on behalf of low-income and vulnerable Americans seeking economic justice.
By: South Carolina Legal Services - Columbia
Rules of the Road on What Debts to Pay First A list of rules you should follow when trying to eliminate debt.
By: South Carolina Legal Services - Columbia
Adobe Acrobat Reader required. (If you are using a screen reader that does not support PDF format, copy the PDF link, and use the Access Adobe online form to convert this file to HMTL text.)
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