I was lucky as a teenager when my parents purchased my first vehicle. In fact, it was a pickup truck—a 1996 Ford F-250 equipped with the 7.3-liter Power Stroke engine. However, when I later decided to upgrade to a worn-out VW Corrado with the VR6, I made a terrible choice. This is just one reason why the new graphic novel, “How to (Not) Buy a Car,” resonates with me.
This convenient guide was both written and illustrated by Wynton Redmond. If you’re unfamiliar with him, he’s an animation storyboard artist who has contributed to projects you may recognize, such as “Spiderman: Beyond the Spider-Verse” and that amazing Initial D Toyota advertisement. Redmond also owns a fantastic NA Miata that we showcased on our YouTube channel some time ago.
Anyway, he and I conversed over the phone regarding his latest endeavor, prompted by a friend seeking to purchase her first car. After guiding her through the experience at a local dealership, Redmond realized just how frustrating it could be. She ultimately chose to buy one from a friend instead, as the dealership couldn’t provide anything better than exorbitant interest rates and useless add-ons.
“It motivated me to read up on the subject,” Redmond shared with me. “There’s a book titled ‘Cars and Jails’ that essentially discusses how the car industry traps individuals—especially those who are desperate—because you need transportation to get by, [which leads to] debt and similar issues.
“I was incredibly frustrated. I thought, ‘Why is it this way?’ Let me write this book so ideally, people will be more informed before making a poor car purchase. It was driven by annoyance.”
The book narrates a humorous (yet briefly serious) tale of a novice car purchaser guided by Carmy, an anthropomorphic roadster who supposedly majored in American history. I mention this because Carmy possesses extensive knowledge about the development of the U.S. interstate system, along with insights into the Civil Rights Movement and its impact on public transportation. Combine that with a sharp understanding of how dealerships exploit inexperienced buyers, and you have a resource that can help you steer clear of the nonsense.
Redmond crafted the book with automotive enthusiasts in mind, although it’s primarily aimed at those who aren’t well-versed in vehicles. “If you know someone clueless about cars, you can give them this book as an introduction so they don’t end up leasing an M3 for thousands monthly or something,” he chuckled.
Jokes aside, it’s genuinely a valuable guide that can prevent you or someone you know from making a significant error. Buyers must be educated; otherwise, they risk being exploited. While not all dealerships are exploitative, many are, and it’s not worth the potential financial loss. Keep in mind that the average transaction price for a new vehicle has now exceeded $50,000 for the first time.
You can grab a physical edition of “How to (Not) Buy a Car” for just $7.99 here. A PDF version is also available for $4.99. Nobody is cashing in on this—including dealers, if Carmy has any say about it.
Have a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: [email protected]
**Helpful Comic Handbook for Beginners on Car Buying Do’s and Don’ts**
**Title: Car Buying Fundamentals: The Dos and Don’ts**
**Panel 1: Introduction**
– Image: A joyful character holding car keys.
– Text: “Getting ready to purchase your first vehicle? Let’s navigate the path with these crucial dos and don’ts!”
**Panel 2: Do Your Research**
– Image: A character with a laptop, looking up car models.
– Text: “DO research various manufacturers and models. Understand what suits your needs and budget!”
**Panel 3: Set a Budget**
– Image: A character with a calculator and a savings jar.
– Text: “DO establish a sensible budget. Consider not only the price but also insurance, maintenance, and fuel expenses.”
**Panel 4: Check Your Credit Score**
– Image: A character reviewing a credit report.
– Text: “DO assess your credit score. A strong score can aid in securing improved financing options.”
**Panel 5: Explore Financing Options**
– Image: A character conversing with a bank representative.
– Text: “DO investigate financing alternatives. Compare loans from banks, credit unions, and dealerships.”
**Panel 6: Take a Test Drive**
– Image: A character driving a car with a big grin.
– Text: “DO test drive the vehicle! Experience how it handles and ensure it’s suitable for you.”
**Panel 7: Don’t Rush the Process**
– Image: A character observing a calendar.
– Text: “DON’T hurry into a purchase. Take your time to find the perfect car for your needs.”
**Panel 8: Avoid Impulse Buying**
– Image: A character gazing at a flashy car while imagining a dollar sign.
– Text: “DON’T make impulse purchases. Stick to your budget and requirements, not just to appearances!”
**Panel 9: Don’t Ignore the Vehicle History Report**
– Image: A character examining a report with a magnifying glass.
– Text: “DON’T overlook the vehicle history report. It discloses previous accidents and ownership history.”
**Panel 10: Negotiate the Price**
– Image: A character shaking hands with a dealer.
– Text: “DO negotiate the price. Don’t accept the initial offer; there’s frequently room for negotiation!”
**Panel 11: Don’t Forget About Insurance**
– Image: A character reviewing insurance documents.
– Text: “DON’T forget to account for insurance expenses. Obtain quotes before finalizing your purchase.”
**Panel 12: Conclusion**
– Image: A character happily driving their new vehicle.
– Text: “Adhere to these dos and don’ts, and you’ll be zooming around in your new car soon!”
**End of Comic Handbook**