Priority Issues Illustration of a car with a damaged front, two people inside looking distressed, and symbols of a temperature gauge and oil can indicating car trouble.

I bought my car believing it was in good running condition and it wasn’t. Took me months to pay off mechanic other bills got pushed to the side.

Issue No. 1 in our Consumer Confidence Comics series tackles the car-buying process from start to finish so you can navigate the transaction with knowledge and confidence.

Fuel your know-how

Doubling as a coloring book (for when you want to unwind with some educational reading), this comic will help you confidently tackle the complicated transaction of buying a used car.

Two comic book covers titled 'Purchasing a Used Car' and 'Comprar un Carro Usado,' featuring colorful illustrations of characters buying a car. Get the comic
Navigate the process

Our handout outlines essential questions to ask the dealer about the used car you want to buy. Print and bring it with you to the dealership. 

Illustration of a hand holding a pencil, writing a checklist with various questions related to buying a used car. Get the checklist

Check out easy-to-read articles and helpful resources on auto-related topics and consumer justice issues.

More Auto-Related News and Resources

Our most recent Spring 2024 Statewide Consumer Survey provides us with three sets of data (including our Spring 2023 and Fall 2023 findings) to build upon our understanding of consumer issues, inform our legislative work, and help us better support Oregonians.

Woman in light blue sweater thoughtfully looking at a computer screen. Read the article

Can you believe it’s been almost a month since we hosted a party with over 90 guests to launch our first Consumer Confidence Comic, Purchasing a Used Car? We want to give a huge shoutout to our friends, family, colleagues, and collaborators for joining us on June 14 to celebrate the launch of this new educational resource. The event was unforgettable!

Blue inflatable floppy tube guy with a smiley face at an event entrance. Read the article

If buying a used car, you may need financing for your purchase. For many consumers, auto financing is a complicated and hard-to-understand process, even for those who have previously financed vehicles. Learn how financing works and how to maximize financing on your next vehicle purchase.

Illustration of a person looking at financial terms. Read the article

I feel like the auto loan industry takes advantage of people with low income or poor credit by providing them with high interest loans.

Putting the wheels in motion for pro-consumer policies

Among our top priorities, OCJ continues to advance and champion policies that address auto-related consumer issues. In the 2023 legislative session, we introduced legislation (HB 2801) that would end the harmful practice of yo-yo financing, setting the stage to protect consumers from deceptive auto industry tactics. Our current Auto Cohort is working to elevate solutions to address some of these predatory practices.

Learn more

It’s essential our hard-won policy wins and consumer rights are upheld. These state and federal agencies either enforce auto-related regulations, provide consumer information, or both.

Enforcement Resources
Federal regulator

The FTC offers consumers auto information and enforces regulations that specifically relate to cars.

Federal Trade Commission seal, displaying a blue shield with scales of justice and an eagle. Submit a complaint
State Regulator

Access online resources specific to Oregon or call their toll-free helpline at 888-877-9392.

State of Oregon Department of Justice seal, showing an eagle above a shield with various symbols. Access resources
Consumer Resources

The CFPB enforces federal consumer financial laws to hold financial service providers accountable for their actions.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau logo, featuring the letters 'cfpb' in shades of green. Access Resources
State regulator

The Oregon State Board of Towing regulates and enforces towing laws in Oregon.

State of Oregon Board of Towing seal, featuring an eagle above a shield with a covered wagon, trees, and a sun. Submit a complaint
State regulator

The Business Regulation section of the DMV handles complaints about vehicle dealers.

Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) logo, with 'DMV' in large letters over an outline of the state of Oregon. Submit a complaint

Auto-related consumer issues consistently rank near the top when it comes to unfair and illegal practices impacting Oregonians, according to our statewide research. 

Survey Findings

Oregonians that are at least somewhat willing to wait 3-5 days to finalize financing, while now car buyers often drive off the lot with their new vehicle the same day, even before the loan is finalized.

Engage with us and contribute to OCJ's efforts to address auto-related consumer issues.

What We Do
Policy and Advocacy

Learn more about our policy and advocacy efforts. Reach out if you are interested in testifying to lawmakers on behalf of auto-related matters and solutions.

A group of advocates standing behind a large wooden desk, with Governor Tina Kotek, seated in the center holding up the ceremonially signed documents for SB 1595. They are in a formal room with flags and bookshelves in the background. Get looped in
Community Engagement

Sharing our stories drives change and supports our communities. Have you faced an auto-related consumer issue that could help others?

A group of children and adults are engaged in an activity at a community event, with a colorful poster titled "Purchasing a Used Car" visible in the foreground. Share my experience
Legal Solutions

Auto-related consumer issues are persistent and widespread. Do you need help navigating a legal issue related to auto purchasing, repairs, or financing?

An older person and an attorney sitting together at a table Get connected