How not to buy a car: Communication class teams up with local non-profit to create seminar

As a part of their course assignment for the semester, a group of students from COMM 330: Principles of Public Relations has been working with Legal Services of Northern Virginia.

LSNV is a nonprofit organization that provides free, high quality, civil legal services to the indigent, elderly and disabled; the organization also provides free educational lectures to students.

Working with LSNV, the group of students has organized an event for George Mason University students, faculty and staff, titled “How Not to Buy a Car.”

The event will be presented by Q. Russell Hatchl, Esq., attorney for LSNV.

The lecture will give audience members a different perspective on how to finance a car. Hatchl will discuss what to be cautious of when taking out a car loan in order to avoid bad credit.

Communication major Susanna Joseph, a member of the COMM 330 group said, “The most important issue is how to prepare ourselves to deal with the car salesman, his or her arsenal of salesmanship, what their real interest is and how to promote our interest to get a decent deal. Just like in any other situation in life, it is mandatory to know our goal[s], and the means . . . to achieve them.

“From my own mistakes and experience I am confident that, having listened to the lecture, those who attend will be much better equipped to deal with the challenges of buying a reliable car on good financial term[s]. They will leave the dealership with a good and satisfying feeling: ‘I made a good deal!’,” said Joseph.

Samantha Baun, a government graduate student said, “I am close to graduating and will need a car soon. This would be my first time purchasing a car, so it would be great to hear some tips, especially since I’ll also be dealing with paying back college loans.”

This event is free, and will be held on Monday, April 19, from 5 – 6 p.m. in Research I, Room 163, on the Fairfax Campus.

Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. Those interested in attending should send their RSVP to Susanna Joseph at sjoseph3@gmu.edu or call 571-278-0560. Walk-ins will also be accepted, but space is limited.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more on the topic or becoming a volunteer lecturer at high schools, indicate this on your RSVP as well. Visit www.lsnv.org for more information.