Fitzgerald Auto Malls believes in the importance of providing Consumer Information about the automotive industry and issues that affect them. It is for that reason we have published a number of brochures available online to provide reliable information on a variety of topics including dealer add-ons, delivered prices, comparing prices between dealers, dealer “tricks” to be aware of and how to recognize a flood damaged vehicle.

This information is intended to make car buying a more satisfying experience and help consumers obtain the most value during the process. We also provide a number of links to consumer and governmental organizations where information is available on a number of vehicle related issues including fuel efficiency, safety, and collision insurance.

We hope that you will make use of this information. Please feel free to provide feedback or comments about the information provided here at comments@fitzmall.com.  

Fitzgerald Information
Read or Download Our Consumer Publications.

 Jack on Financing

 Tricks of the Trade
 Price Comparison Between Dealers
 What You Should Know About Dealer "Add-Ons"
 What is the Delivered Price?
 Tips on How to Spot a Flood-Damaged Vehicle
 The PTA Process - The Safe Way To Shop and Compare Dealers
 PTA Shopping Form

 Fitzgerald Auto Malls ISO Certification

Other Consumer Links and Publications

 Recall Information

 Consumer Advisory: NHTSA Reissues 15-Passenger Van Safety Caution

 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Website
 Insurance Institute For Highway Safety Website
 Federal Trade Commission - Buying A Used Car - Consumer Guide
 Federal Trade Commission - Buying A New Car - Consumer Guide
 US Dept of Energy 2008 Fuel Economy Guide
 US Dept of Energy 2009 Fuel Economy Guide
 US Dept of Energy 2010 Fuel Economy Guide

 US Dept of Energy 2011 Fuel Economy Guide
 US Dept of Energy 2012 Fuel Economy Guide

 US Dept of Energy 2013 Fuel Economy Guide

 NHTSA 2008 Relative Collision Insurance Cost Information
 NHTSA 2009 Relative Collision Insurance Cost Information

 NHTSA 2010 Relative Collision Insurance Cost Information

 NHTSA 2011 Relative Collision Insurance Cost Information

 NHTSA 2012 Relative Collision Insurance Cost Information

Smart Car Shopping the P.T.A. Way

Fitzgerald Auto Malls wants you to know that if you're shopping for a car...shop the whole deal!  Be an informed shopper by comparing three important items...the Price, the Terms and the Add-ons and you won't get taken for a ride!

"P"=Price of the Car

"T" = Terms, Interest rate & the Number of Payments

"A" = Add-on Charges

More importantly, you must shop and compare all three items simultaneously and OBTAIN THIS INFORMATION UP FRONT!  Insist that your salesperson put all three items together for you, so that you can compare their deal with other dealerships.
 

We have prepared an easy-to-use worksheet to use as you shop for your vehicle.  Just ask the sales representative to fill in the form as you discuss the pricing of your car then ask a manager to sign this worksheet.  Dealers typically require offers to be in writing and signed by the manager.  Here are a few examples of what other area dealers require:

"Bring us a written buyers order approved by the other dealer's management."
Sheehy

 "All we need to see is a completely filled out and signed buyers order from a manager at the other dealership."
Ourisman

 ...must be a bona fide offer from a Baltimore/Washington area dealer on the same vehicle with same equipment, in writing, signed by the general manager."
Antwerpen

 "...provide us with a legitimate and signed written offer from any other dealer..."

Koons

Many dealers have these requirements because some dealers will under-price their vehicles to get you into their showroom and then over-charge you for add-ons to make up the difference for the low price they've quoted you...only Fitzgerald quotes the final Delivered Price.  So, tell the salespeople at other dealerships that you want your offer sheet filled out and signed!  That's the only way you can protect yourself against overpaying.  Getting a fair deal on a car or truck doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming.  You just need to know the P, T, A's of car buying to make sure you don't overpay!