These agencies and web sites might be able to help you resolve a problem with a purchase, or avoid the problem in the first place:

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• Used car board (formally known as the State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers And Used Motor Vehicle Parts Dealers):

Georgia Secretary of State's Licensing Divisions

Used Car/Used Car Parts Division

237 Coliseum Drive

Macon, Ga. 31217-3858

478-207-2440

This state board licenses used car dealers in Georgia and takes complaints about dealers and investigates when appropriate.

The board can fine dealers and revoke licenses. The board cannot require dealers to refund money to consumers.

—For more information | For official complaint forms

• Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs:

2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE

Suite 356

Atlanta, Ga. 30334-4600

404-651-8600 or 800-869-1123

This state agency enforces the Fair Business Practices Act, the primary protection Georgia consumers have against deceptive acts among car dealers and other businesses. Complaints related to automobiles are the most common complaints received. The matters range from false advertising to financing issues.

The agency also provides information and arbitration hearings for consumers seeking relief in Lemon Law matters, which generally involve new vehicles under warranty whose mechanical problems have not been repaired by the manufacturer.

Telephone counselors are available to provide assistance during business hours.

—For more information

• Better Business Bureau for Metro Atlanta, Athens and Northeast Georgia:

503 Oak Place, Suite 590

College Park, Ga. 30349

404-766-0875 or 866-225-1090

The BBB works as a facilitator between businesses and customers when handling complaints. It provides online reports on car dealers and other companies, including information about complaints received and the nature of the complaints.

It also takes consumer complaints related to a variety of problems, including misleading advertising, misrepresentation, warranty problems, and credit/billing problems.

—For more information | To access the online complaint system

• CARFAX:

This commercial service provides vehicle history information, such as the title history, whether the vehicle was salvaged, junked or flooded, whether it was a lemon, the number of owners, odometer information, etc.

The company accesses this information through a car's unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Site also includes advice on purchasing a car.

—For more information

• Consumer Reports:

This non-profit consumer organization offers a web site that rates vehicles, provides pricing information and consumer advice to help consumers get the best deal.

One feature of the site is the Used Car Buying Kit (www.consumerreports.org/usedcar/), which allows consumers to select preferences for a car and then offers comparisons of models along with in-depth ratings and reviews, buying advice and pricing reports.

—For more information

• Edmunds.com:

This site provides pricing information, review of cars and advice on buying a new or used vehicle.

It can help you determine what you should pay for a vehicle and how much you should expect to get if you trade in your old car. It will also help you research the cars you are interested in before heading out to a dealership.

—For more information