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Buying and Owning a Car

Contents

Driving in California can be a very expensive luxury, especially if you are not a resident. The costs of driving in California include: mandatory car insurance, registration fees, parking fees, obtaining your driver's license, purchasing a new or used car, smog checks and routine car maintenance. In the Bay Area, it is not always necessary to have a car for transportation. The public transportation system is fairly extensive and convenient, especially for commuting. Parking can often be a hassle and very hard to find. If you live near the lab, you may find a car an extra burden. However, if you are planning to drive a car (or motorcycle) while you are in California, take heed of the following information. See also the Transportation section of the handbook for other transportation options.

Before You Buy a Car
Research your options before you purchase a car. Consumer Reports issues an annual survey of new and used cars, detailing performance, value and safety issues. You should bring an experienced friend to help you look for the best bargain. It is easy to be persuaded to purchase a car for too much money or to unknowingly buy a "lemon". A "lemon" is a car that appears to be in decent condition, but which has numerous mechanical problems (costing a lot of money). It is appropriate (and even expected) that you will bargain for the price of a vehicle.

New Cars 
There are many makes, models and prices to choose from. Each dealership will offer different prices. Search around for the best deal, and be sure to bargain (do not ever settle for the sticker price). Compare "option" prices (the added costs for stick or automatic versions, air conditioning, a nice stereo, etc.) A reasonably priced new car can cost anywhere from $9,000 for a small, two-door, hatchback American car without any options (air-conditioning, stereo, power steering) to $45,000 for a four-door foreign sedan. (Of course, there are more expensive cars). New cars in the United States can be very expensive to buy and insure. (Car insurance is required by law in the United States). Generally, the newer the car is, the more expensive it is to insure. It is not recommended that you purchase a new car, especially since your stay in the United States is likely to be less than three years. 

Used Cars
Used cars are less expensive, but they can be a riskier purchase. No warranties are given, and it is your responsibility to pay for all repairs needed. Check at your local bank for the Blue Book that lists average prices for various used cars. Check the local (East Bay Express, Classified Flea Market) newspapers in the classified ads. The Buggy Bank (on San Pablo Avenue) in Berkeley is a well-known place to buy used cars. Owners park their cars in this lot, with a price listed and contact information (name and phone number). You decide which car(s) you like, call the owner and set up a meeting time. It is a good way to view the car before you express interest. You will probably get the best deal on a used car from a private transaction. 

All used cars must have a current and valid smog certificate before you purchase it. The seller is responsible for providing proof that the car has passed a smog check within the last 60 days. If the owner does not have a valid certificate, he can not sell you the car. You should ask for the Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) as proof that the vehicle passed its Smog Check within the last 60 days. Do not purchase a car without a smog certificate. For smog check questions call 

1-800-952-5210 (over 140 translations available)

You should take the car you would like to buy into a garage for a mechanic to give it a diagnostic check ($50-$60) prior to paying for it. This check will prevent you from purchasing a "lemon" and is well worth the money.

Paying for a Car
Cash: 
You will probably get the best price if you can pay for the full amount in "cash". This means paying for the car with a cashier’s check from the bank or by using traveler’s checks. Never carry that much cash (in dollars) around with you! Used cars are almost always paid for in cash, unless you are buying the used car from a dealership. 

Financing: 
Loans can add a lot to the actual cost of the car (20-30%), usually for new cars. Comparison- shop between financing options. It is best to use credit from a credit union, bank or loan association, (not the dealership).

Auto Insurance
Drivers of any type of vehicle are required to obtain insurance in the state of California. You have a financial responsibility in the case of an accident, for any injury, death or damage incurred. See the separate section on Auto Insurance for more details.

Auto Repair
If you find that your vehicle requires repair, keep in mind the following things that you are entitled to by law: Written estimates of how much the repair work will cost (labor and parts) before the work is initiated, you must give written authorization before the work can begin. Written invoice, (a bill), must be given to you with all work and parts itemized. Upon request, they are required to return to you all worn-out parts before work has begun. All usage of used or rebuilt parts must be noted on the bill.

Parking

To park on the LBNL Site, please contact the Site Access office. Contact them to obtain permits to park in campus-owned lots. Parking on the streets of Berkeley is governed by the City of Berkeley. If the parking is not managed by parking meters (one or two hour limits), it will be separated into areas (indicated by different alphabet letters). Parking in these areas does not cost money. If you park longer than the posted time limit, you will receive a parking ticket. They issue permits ($21 per year) for local residents to park in the neighborhood of their place of residence. With this permit, you can park in the specified area indefinitely. You may not park for an unlimited time in other areas. Call 644-6470 for more information. You will be ticketed religiously if you ignore the parking time limits. This is also true for parking meters. Be sure to pay the appropriate amount into the meter and move your car, if necessary.

UC Parking and Transportation
2535 Channing Way
(510) 644-6470 

Moving Violation Tickets
If you receive a moving violation, (a ticket issued for a driving error), your insurance rate may be raised. If you are issued a moving violation, and it is your first in 18 months, you can prevent the ticket from affecting your insurance costs by attending "Traffic School". Traffic school costs $25-$75 and lasts 8 hours. You are still responsible for paying the fine. If you do not pay your ticket fine, the amount will increase and you could be arrested. Look in the Yellow Pages for traffic schools near you. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) is a very serious offense in California. The amount of alcohol legally permitted in your blood while driving is very low. Be very careful and avoid this offense. The penalty fees are very expensive, and you may lose your license.