This booklet on automobile purchasing and maintenance, 1 in a series of 12, covers all the basic aspects of personal- and family-money management. Suitable for use by high school and college students as well as adults, this handbook discusses buying, maintaining, and operating cars. Section 1 discusses managing automobile dollars. Topics include transportation options, need for a car, car maintenance expenses, renting or leasing automobiles, and selling or trading one's present automobile. Section 2 presents factors to consider in choosing the kinds of cars to buy, including car sizes, body types, foreign or domestic makes, and automobile options. Section 3 focuses on methods of payment, insurance, and buying new cars in comparison to buying used ones. Suggestions are made in section 4 for lowering automotive costs through proper maintenance, operation, servicing, and repairs. The final section examines current changes in the automotive field: reduction in energy consumption, environmental protection, and safety. A list of organizations, books, and pamphlets is provided. (YLB)