Printable Worksheet Companion
Use these worksheets with Your First Car Without Getting Trapped to calculate total cost, compare financing, verify a vehicle and seller, review the written deal, and make a documented buying decision.
No sign-in required. PDF • approximately 540 KB
What’s Inside
The companion contains 23 practical tools. Use them in order or begin with the worksheet that matches the vehicle decision in front of you.
Start Here: Transportation Needs Profile
Define the transportation problem before selecting a vehicle. Separate genuine requirements from preferences before comparing cars, prices, or financing.
Define the Need and Full Cost
- Transportation Needs Profile
- Full Cost of Ownership Worksheet
- Insurance Quote Comparison
- Monthly Transportation Budget
- Unexpected Repair Reserve Calculator
Compare Financing and Stress-Test It
- Financing Comparison Worksheet
- Total Loan Cost Table
- Cash-versus-Financing Decision Sheet
- Loan Stress Test
- Cosigner Conversation Checklist
- Lower-Income Month Test
Verify the Vehicle and Deal
- Vehicle and Seller Verification Checklist
- Inspection Appointment Checklist
- Test-Drive Record
- Immediate Repair and Maintenance Estimate
- Vehicle Comparison Card
- Out-the-Door Deal Comparison
- Add-On Review Sheet
Sign, Decide, and Plan Ownership
- Before-Signing Checklist
- Document Copy Inventory
- BUY, PREPARE, or WALK AWAY Decision Gate
- 30-, 60-, or 90-Day Preparation Plan
- First 90 Days of Ownership Plan
How to Use This Companion
1. Download
Save the companion PDF or print the pages you want to use.
2. Complete
Write “Unknown” when a price, fee, term, history item, or condition has not been verified. Do not assume the best when a material question is unanswered.
3. Review
Verify material facts with current written records, official sources, an independent qualified mechanic, your insurer, lender, or motor-vehicle agency as appropriate.
4. Keep Private
Use only the minimum identifying information needed, redact copies when appropriate, and store completed worksheets privately.
Protect Your Information
Do not record passwords, PINs, verification codes, full Social Security numbers, complete account numbers, or login information in this companion. Use only the minimum information needed, redact copies when appropriate, and store completed worksheets privately.
Need Help Accessing the Companion?
If the file does not open or download correctly, visit KemetCompass.com for current reader-support information.
Read Beyond the Obvious.
These resources provide general financial education and do not provide individualized financial, legal, tax, insurance, lending, mechanical, or vehicle-safety advice.