a WebQuest for 11th - 12th Grade Business

by Ms. Amie Janssen
 

Scenario | Task | Where do I look? | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion

Scenario

You have just graduated from Harvard Law School and gotten a job as a lawyer with an annual salary of $120,000, you and your spouse have decided that it is time to buy a new car, and obtain auto insurance for this vehicle.  Although your salary is large, there are many expenses that you need to keep in mind before deciding on a car that will fit your needs. You have a 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier VL Coupe with V6, air, am/fm radio, cassette deck, alloy wheels, steering wheel tilt, power steering, power door locks, ABS, 2 door.  The car has 88,032 miles, and is in good condition. You will be trading this vehicle in on your new vehicle.
 

You are to research vehicles, and decide on one that will be appropriate for your needs.  Then, you must get insurance quotes and find the best quote on automobile insurance.  Your final product will be to create a Power Point Presentation which will be presented in class that includes the following information:

• A picture of the vehicle that are going to purchase, and a detailed description of the vehicle.
• Why did you choose this vehicle?
• Where did you find the vehicle?
• Any additional information about the vehicle.
• What is the total cost of the vehicle with taxes and destination if applicable?
• Determine the trade-in value of your car.
• Figure the difference in what the cost is and what you are allowed for the trade-in.  What are your monthly payments on a 4 year loan for the difference in cost?
• Which insurance companies did you research (at least 3)?
• What is the quote to insure you to drive this vehicle (all three sources)?  What does this policy cover (all three sources)?
• Which company did you decide on and why?
 

On-line sources for researching vehicles, and current rebate offers:
General Motors
Cadillac International Gateway
Mercedes Benz
Ford Motor Company
Honda
Car and Driver Magazine
Consumer Reports-Cars and Trucks

On-line sources for finding a vehicle to buy:
CarSmart
Auto Trader
Edmund's
New & Used Cars
Auto Web

Sources for Blue Booking Cars:
Kelly Blue Book

On-line sources for getting insurance quotes:
Auto Web
Ins Web
Car Source
Auto Insurance Quotes
Insure Me
Automobile Insurance
Country Companies
Prudential Insurance
State Farm
Allstate Insurance
Geico Insurance

Other Resources:
Car Dealerships-vehicles
Insurance Salesmen-Insurance quotes
Newspaper Classified ads-vehicles
 

Follow the process below to complete the assignment.  You must check in with the teacher at the checkpoint before you proceed with the next step.

• First, research several vehicles from the aspect of cost, reliability, safety, insurance costs, and options available.
• Second, choose a vehicle that will fit your needs. Remember to consider your other expenses and the salary that you make.
• Third, determine the cost of the vehicle with taxes and destination charges if applicable.
• Fourth, determine the trade-in allowance for your current vehicle.
• Fifth, figure the monthly payments for this vehicle for a 4 year loan for the difference in the cost of the new vehicle and the used trade-in value at 8.25% interest.
• Sixth, check in with the teacher before proceeding with the next step.  Bring all of the information that you have collected to this point!
• Seventh, research at least three different insurance company policies, and get quotes from these companies.
• Eighth, decide on the policy based on cost, coverage, reputation of company.
• Ninth, check in with the teacher before proceeding with the next step.  Bring all of the information that you have collected for the project!
• Tenth, begin the Power Point Presentation.
• Eleventh, check in with the teacher when you have 3 slides completed.
• Twelfth, finish Power Point Presentation including animation.
• Thirteenth, present Power Point Presentation to class.
 

The rubric will be based on your research findings, what you have accomplished at the checkpoints, and your Power Point Presentation.
 

You have completed the process of buying a car.  You should be familiar with the online and personal resources available to aid you in the search for your own car.  Consider the all of the factors involved before jumping into a new purchase! Remember that there are many more factors involved than just the cost.  During the other presentations, observe the factors that they took into consideration.  Did they think of anything that you forgot?  Do you think you made the right decision based on all the information gathered?  What would you do differently if you were to do this search again?
 

Mortgage: $2000/ Month
Utilities:    $350/ Month
Phone:      $100/ Month
Cellular Phone: $75/ Month
Groceries:  $300/ Month
Health Insurance: $100/ Month
Home Owners Insurance: $100/ Month
Entertainment:  $300/ Month
School Loans:  $1000/ Month
Taxes:
Income:        $2500/ Month
Property:      $350/ Month
Timeshare Vacation: $300/ Month
2nd vehicle:   $400/ Month
Investments:  $1000/ Month
Credit Card Bills:  $200/ Month

The amount that you have left after subtracting these expenses can be used for your car and for insurance on the car.