Car Ownership and Financing

The Mobility Agenda addresses and pursues opportunities to improve access to private vehicles for low-wage workers in need of reliable, flexible, affordable transportation.

Affordable and reliable transportation is a necessity for a strong economy in every community. Public transit in dense areas with housing and employment opportunities can serve a large population. Yet transit must be part of a larger menu of options because it does not serve all areas or all workers.

Eighty-eight percent of all people drive to work, while only about 5 percent use public transit. Private vehicle ownership for low-wage workers is an important factor in a strong economy and an inclusive society and has significant benefits for individuals and families. Cars ensure more people can fully contribute to the local economy because vehicle ownership increases employment opportunities, hours worked, and income.

On this page, The Mobility Agenda provides resources about car financing research, opportunities, and news.

Please visit our sites on transportation and driver's license issues.

Resources

Antitrust and Consumer Law Section’s Tips on Buying Reliable Used Cars and Trucks for a Fair Price

Table of Contents

1   Before You Visit a Dealer
2   Finding a Reliable Car or Truck
3   Paying a Fair Price for a Used Car or Truck
4   Financing Your Used Vehicle Purchase
5   How to Handle Your Trade-In
6   Your Legal Rights if Things Go Wrong with a Used Car or Truck: A Brief Explanation of Warranties
8   Should You Buy an Extended Service Contract on a Used Car?
9   Should You Buy Credit Life, Disability or "Gap" Insurance?
10 Should You Buy a Low-Mileage "Demonstrator," "Program Car," or "Executive Model"?
11 Safety

Pursuit of the Dream: Cars & Jobs in America

The Annie E. Casey Foundation recently produced a documentary outlining the issue of car financing for low-wage workers. The video is now available online and is accompanied by a discussion guide.

Pursuit of the Dream: Cars & Jobs in America, produced by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, explains the importance of affordable, reliable transportation for building the economic success of low-income families and their communities.... Recommendations on how to avoid these pitfalls and tips for knowledgeable car purchase and ownership are provided in the documentary and in the printed discussion guide, included in each DVD case. The discussion guide also suggests ways to use the documentary with different audiences and includes resources for more information. The 22-minute documentary is provided in both English and Spanish versions.

Click here to see the full video online: