Head to the Northfield Public Library to Learn About Cars

Editor's note: The Library Round Table features several guest columnists from the Northfield Public Library. This piece is from Debby Nitz, resource librarian.

Are you looking for a new car? How about a used car? Or maybe you just need to repair the car you have. The Northfield Public Library can help. The following links give you information on buying a new or used car or repairing the car you have. 

Consumer Reports: The library has two subscriptions to Consumer Reports—one you can check out and one at the reference desk. The magazine reviews cars all year but the April issue is the big car buying issue. Consumer Reports is also available online through EBSCO, one of the library databases. Scroll down to EBSCO to log in. You'll need your library card to access.

NADA Guides (National Automobile Dealer Association): This is used by banking and automotive professionals for used car prices and it's available at the reference desk. Check out their website for more information.

Old Cars Report Price Guide: This guide is published six times per year and covers used and collectible cars from 1930-1980. It's also available near the reference desk.

Chilton Online: The library subscribes to print repair guides for domestic and foreign cars (ask at the reference desk). However, we also have an online subscription to Chilton. Just like EBSCO from above, you'll need your library card to access the site.

Websites:

• Consumer tips from the Minnesota State Attorney General's office on car buying

• New and used car prices and new car reviews

• New and used car prices, car comparisons and car buying advice

• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives crash data for cars as well as data on seat/head restraints

• The US Dept. of Energy provides gas mileage data on US cars, trucks, vans, etc.

• Information on leasing vs. buying a car