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Thanks to Oklahoma Senator Almer Stillwell Mike Monroney, for it was he who sponsored the Automotive Information Disclosure Act of 1958. If a car dealer doesn't have a "Monroney" sticker on a new car it can be fined $1000.00.
When you are out looking for a new car, do you read the information on the window sticker?
Or like most car shoppers do you glance over it without reading all the great information this little piece of paper can give you.
The easiest thing for a consumer to see are the gasoline mileage ratings since they are very large.
That is the most recognized information on the car window sticker. This sticker will tell you everything you will need to make your car buying decision much easier for you.
All the information you need or want is on that window sticker when you are trying to make an informed decision about buying a new car.
The "Monroney" window sticker tells you:
1. What Kind of Car it is.
This will include the make and the model of the vehicle along with the VIN or vehicle identification number.
2. The Standard Equipment and the Options.
This includes all equipment that the base price of the car includes and all the "extras" that have been added to this particular vehicle and what they cost. This includes the engine and transmission specifications of the vehicle.
3. The Fuel Economy Ratings of the Car.
These number will tell you how many miles per gallon of gasoline you can expect when driving this car. These numbers are based on the findings of The Environmental Protection Agency. It will give the mpg in both city and highway traffic.
4. The Destination Charges.
These are the charges for delivering the car from the manufacturer to the dealership. This number is also included in the total price of the car.
5. Parts Content Information.
This tells you where the major components that make up this car were made, and where the car was assembled.
6. The Sticker Price.
This is the total cost of the car.
7. The Government Safety Ratings.
This is a new addition to the window sticker of the car just added for 2008. This lets you know how this car is rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety administration for front and side impact crashes and for the rollover risk.
If you are looking to purchase a used vehicle there is some additional information on a car dealer window sticker.
1. If the vehicle is being sold with a warranty or if the vehicle is being sold "as is".
2. What the warranty includes if the vehicle is indeed being sold with a warranty.
3. The repair cost percentage. In other words what percent of the repairs included under the warranty will the dealer pay for. 100 % means the dealer will cover the cost completely. 50% means the dealer will pay half of the expenses of the repair, and you as the owner of the car will pay for the other half.
For more information on the gasoline ratings and the safety ratings you can go to the following web sites:
www.fueleconomy.gov
www.safercar.gov