Round About
Buy used to solve car-money crunch
Students help their search by knowing what they are looking for, and how much they can spend
By Erika Rasmusson Kansan Correspondent
The prospect of spending a year at the University of Kansas without a car may have you feeling as low as your budget, but with more than 10 automobile dealerships selling used cars in Lawrence, finding the perfect vehicle to fit your finances may not be such a daunting task.
"August is notoriously the biggest month in the used car business," said Johnny Inverarity, owner of Johnny T's Used Cars, 814 Iowa St. He estimates that about 30 percent of his dealership's business comes from students.
"They are a big part of our market." he said.
That knowledge has led Inverarity to participate in events geared toward students, such as donating money for KJHK auctions.
At Jim Clark Motors, 2121 W. 29th Terrace, used car manager Ron Rowland makes it a policy to treat students just like any other customers.
"We're here to sell them the best car they can get and keep them happy," he said.
However, youth and limited funds make it impossible for some students to be taken seriously when trying to purchase a used car. Inverarity realizes that this is a problem.
"Salespeople think it could be a waste of their time," he said. His advice for students who are serious about
busy about buying a vehicle is to be specific about what they are looking for and the amount they have to spend.
Rowland knows that students look for size economic
er cars and imports were big sellers.
"The trouble is, students don't have a lot of money," Rowland said. "You have to find a car that is good and that they can afford."
Out of the 100 used cars at Jim Clark Motors, Rowland said he tried to keep a selection of vehi-
"The trouble is, students don't have a lot of money."
Ron Rowland Used car manager, Jim Clark Motors
value and price, and he tries to keep a selection of cars on the lot that are both high-quality and affordable.
And although student taste varies when it comes to what make and model of car is wanted, both Rowland and Inverarity said small-
cles that were priced between $3,000 and $6,000.
"I know students can't afford a lot more than that," he said. "You have to keep a balance in your inventory."
Another thing most students can't afford is costly repairs for a car that appears to be in good condition but ends up
needing serious repairs.
Michelle Minor, Omaha, Neb., senior, found out the hard way that there are no guarantees when purchasing a used car. Minor bought a Suzuki Samurai from a dealership in Lawrence in 1993.
"I was on my way to Nebraska when the engine blew up," she said. "Id only had it about three months."
When Minor bought her next used car, she traveled to Topeka.
Tony Hubbard, Paola senior and employee at Johnny I's Used Cars, wants to help students avoid horror stories like Minor's.
He recommends that students take the car they are interested in buying to a mechanic before purchasing it. He said that some Lawrence mechanics would check out a car for free.
"Make sure you are getting a good car before you spend four of five thousand dollars," he said.
Rowland also recommends having a car checked out by a mechanic. And as added security, the dealership includes a threemonth/3,000 mile warranty on most used cars that are 1987 models or newer and have less than 100,000 miles.
"We do it to make sure we don't have a big expense and they don't have a big expense later on," he said.
Welcome Back KU Students!
Visit us for that fresh look for Fall... The Total Look!
- HAIR CARE
- TANNING
- MANICURES
- WAXING
- PEDICURES
THE total look!
6
708 W.9th 842-5921
Planet Lawrence
~Hill • September 13, 1995