Most teens dream of driving their own car… but how much do they really know about the real costs behind that freedom?
In this hands-on, real-world research project, students will dive into the car-buying process by comparing three real used vehicle listings (e.g. Using the Autotrader website, or similar) and uncovering the often-overlooked expenses that come with owning a car. From fuel economy and insurance to seller type and reliability, students will investigate what makes a vehicle the best overall value for their lifestyle and budget.
Perfect for high school students, this culminating activity builds key skills in critical thinking, budgeting, comparison shopping, and decision-making.
Please note: The pages and slides in this resource are not editable.
Worksheets Table of Contents:
- Title Page
- Table of Contents
- Assignment Overview
- Finding the Vehicles
- Vehicle Comparison Chart
- Vehicle Comparison Chart
- Final Vehicle Choice
- Reflection
- Rubric

