| No. | Item | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | accident | crash involving the vehicle |
| 2. | airbag | inflatable crash safety cushion |
| 3. | alignment | wheel angle adjustment |
| 4. | alternator | charges battery while running |
| 5. | APR | yearly borrowing cost rate |
| 6. | as-is | sold with no guarantees |
| 7. | asking price | seller’s requested amount |
| 8. | automatic | self-shifting transmission type |
| 9. | backup camera | rear-view parking camera |
| 10. | battery | stores electrical energy |
| 11. | bill of sale | document recording the sale |
| 12. | blind spot | area hard to see |
| 13. | Bluetooth | wireless device connection |
| 14. | brakes | parts that slow the car |
| 15. | certified | manufacturer-backed used vehicle |
| 16. | clutch | part engaging manual gears |
| 17. | co-signer | person sharing loan responsibility |
| 18. | collision | coverage for crash damage |
| 19. | comprehensive | coverage for noncrash damage |
| 20. | coolant | fluid preventing overheating |
| 21. | CPO | certified pre-owned vehicle |
| 22. | credit score | number showing creditworthiness |
| 23. | dealer fee | charge added by dealer |
| 24. | deductible | amount paid before coverage |
| 25. | dent | small pressed-in body damage |
| 26. | depreciation | loss of value over time |
| 27. | disclosure | required revealed information |
| 28. | down payment | money paid upfront |
| 29. | drivetrain | parts delivering power |
| 30. | electric | powered only by electricity |
| 31. | emissions | pollution released by vehicle |
| 32. | engine | machine powering the car |
| 33. | financing | borrowing money to buy |
| 34. | flood damage | harm caused by water exposure |
| 35. | fuel economy | how efficiently fuel is used |
| 36. | gap insurance | covers loan balance shortfall |
| 37. | hail damage | dents caused by hail |
| 38. | handling | how the car responds |
| 39. | highway miles | miles mostly at steady speeds |
| 40. | history report | record of past vehicle events |
| 41. | horsepower | engine power measurement |
| 42. | hybrid | uses gas and electric power |
| 43. | idle | engine running without moving |
| 44. | immobilizer | anti-theft starting blocker |
| 45. | inspection | professional condition check |
| 46. | insurance | financial protection against losses |
| 47. | interest | cost of borrowing money |
| 48. | interior | inside cabin condition |
| 49. | key fob | remote key device |
| 50. | knock | abnormal engine pinging sound |
| 51. | leak | unwanted fluid escape |
| 52. | lemon | car with serious recurring defects |
| 53. | liability | legal responsibility for damage |
| 54. | lien | legal claim for unpaid debt |
| 55. | loan term | length of the loan |
| 56. | maintenance | routine care and servicing |
| 57. | manual | driver-shifted transmission type |
| 58. | market value | current typical selling price |
| 59. | mileage | distance the car has traveled |
| 60. | monthly payment | amount due each month |
| 61. | MPG | miles per gallon |
| 62. | navigation | built-in route guidance |
| 63. | odometer | device showing total miles |
| 64. | oil | lubricant for engine parts |
| 65. | one-owner | previously owned by one person |
| 66. | options | extra features chosen |
| 67. | out-the-door price | total price with fees |
| 68. | overheating | engine running too hot |
| 69. | panel gap | space between body panels |
| 70. | payoff | amount needed to clear loan |
| 71. | power steering | assisted steering system |
| 72. | preapproval | loan approval before shopping |
| 73. | premium | insurance cost paid regularly |
| 74. | pull | drifts to one side |
| 75. | radiator | cools engine coolant |
| 76. | recall | manufacturer safety repair notice |
| 77. | registration | state record for the vehicle |
| 78. | repo | repossessed vehicle |
| 79. | resale value | expected future selling price |
| 80. | rust | corrosion on metal surfaces |
| 81. | salvage | declared a total loss |
| 82. | scratch | surface mark in paint |
| 83. | service record | maintenance history documents |
| 84. | smog check | emissions inspection test |
| 85. | spark plugs | parts igniting fuel mixture |
| 86. | stall | engine stops unexpectedly |
| 87. | starter | motor that starts engine |
| 88. | suspension | system smoothing road bumps |
| 89. | tags | license plates or registration |
| 90. | test drive | trial drive before buying |
| 91. | tire wear | loss of tire rubber |
| 92. | title | legal proof of ownership |
| 93. | torque | twisting force from engine |
| 94. | trade-in | vehicle given toward purchase |
| 95. | transmission | system changing gear ratios |
| 96. | tread | pattern on tire surface |
| 97. | upholstery | seat covering material |
| 98. | vibration | unwanted shaking sensation |
| 99. | VIN | vehicle identification number |
| 100. | warranty | repair coverage for defects |