Introduction
Let's face it, cars are important in our culture. Nearly everyone has a car, especially in America. Even if you do not have a car, there is a good chance that some day you will be considering purchasing one. What car is the best car? How is best defined? Does cost matter? Is there more to the cost of a car than the initial price? Where to begin? Here.
In this WebQuest, you will research a variety of factors about a varietey of vehicles: trucks, cars, vans, anything you wish. You will determine the cost of buying the vehicle as well as the cost to maintain this vehicle. After determing the cost of the vehicle, the annual fuel cost, and annual insurance, you will determine which vehicle is most cost efficient for your family.
Task
We are all potential car buyers. So, we all should research this important decision thoroughly. As a potential car buyer, you will research a variety of vehicles including different makes, models, features, and colors. While researching these vehicles, you will collect data regarding the purchase price of the vehicle, the annual fuel cost, and annual insurance.
After collecting all of the information, you will analyze your data and determine which vehicle will be the most cost efficient for you and your family to purchase.
Process
To begin, you must determine the purchase price. To determine what vehicle you will choose, you must first decide if you would like a new or used vehicle. After this, you can use the various websites of each major car manufacture to research the manufacturers further.
Step # 1 - Determine Vehicle
You need to answer the following questions with each vehicle you choose. Please answer the following questions on a separate piece of paper.
1. Year
2. Make
3. Model
4. Purchase Price
5. Annual Fuel Cost
6. Annual Insurance Cost
7. Total Annual Operating Cost (annual fuel cost + annual insurance cost)
Below is a list of car manufactures (you must find their websites):
Ford
Chevrolet
Dodge
Toyota
Honda
(Any others)
Common Used Car websites:
Autotrader
Cars.com
Step #2 Determine Vehicles' Cost of Fuel
To determine your vehicles' annual cost of fuel, use the Government's Fuel Economy Website. Make sure to fill in this data on your separate piece of paper.
Step #3 Determine Vehilcles' Cost of Insurance
To determine your vehicles' annual cost of insurance, go to Insure.com. Again, make sure to fill in the data on your separate piece of paper.
Step #4 Create a Table to Analyze Your Vehicles' Cost of Ownership (price + fuel + insurance)
Create a table in Excel analyzying each Vehicles' Cost of Ownership. In colum 1 of the table, label year and type years 1-10. In the next two columns, type each of your vehicles. In year one, type the initial price of each vehicle. In year two, type the initial price plus the annual cost and fuel and insurance. Complete the table through all 10 years.
Step #5 Create a Graph to Analyze Your Vehicles' Cost of Ownership
Using Excel and the data you have already entered, create a graph of each Vehicle's Cost of Ownership. From the table and the graph, determine which vehicle is financially wise for you and your family to purchase.
Print your table and graph.
Step #6 Summary
Answer the following questions as a summary of the WebQuest. Answer these questions on your separate piece of paper.
1. Which year would both vehicles have the same cost of ownership? If this cannot easily be seen on the graph, estimate this cost.
2. Which vehicle would you purchase? Why? Explain this reason in at least one paragraph.
Step #7 Turn in Your Project
Turn in the printed table, graph, and separate piece of paper with the answers to all the questions.
Evaluation
The Evaluation Rubric will be sent via email as well as uploaded to the website.
Conclusion
You have successfully completed the Buying a Car WebQuest. It is my goal that you have learned a lot about purchasing a vehilce. I hope you also enjoyed the experience. This information is very useful and practical for you now and in the future. If you need any help or have any questions, please contact me. My information can be found at the Contact link on the website.
Credits
I would like give credit to Patricia McGee and Deborah Claxton as well as Bernie Dodge. Essentially, this idea was borrowed from their work.