Nicole buys a Hooptie*

A Times intern attempts to buy her first car with the help of consumer reporter Ivan Penn.

Comics by STEVE MADDEN | Times
*UrbanDictinary.com defines "Hooptie" as any junky car.
Sources: Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and Wiki Answers
Part 1: Research & Financing
  • In this first part, 22-year-old reporting intern Nicole Norfleet discovers the importance of research and the realities of used car financing. Read the story
Part 2: The Test Drive
  • Now, we take a look under the hood. The initial inspection and test drive is when your car makes its first impression. Read the story
Part 3: Negotiating
  • We get into the main show — negotiating a price and purchasing your car. Read the story

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