October 14-15, 2024 | Stephens City, Virginia: Marlow Auto Group recently partnered with Sherando High School to provide 10th and 11th-grade students with an engaging, real-world lesson on the car buying process. This workshop was presented as part of the school’s Economics and Personal Finance class, a required course designed to prepare students for the financial decisions they will face as adults. The sessions, held over two days, aimed to equip students with practical knowledge about budgeting, financing, trade-ins, and warranties, while also introducing them to new automotive technologies. Leading the workshop were Greg Strosnider, Used Car Director, and Jason Johnson, Sales Consultant, who used their expertise to make the car buying process understandable and relatable for students.
Connecting Classroom Learning to Real-World Skills
The Economics and Personal Finance course at Sherando High School teaches students critical skills, such as budgeting, saving, investing, and decision-making, all essential for their future. The Marlow Auto Group’s presentation on car buying education for students aligned perfectly with this curriculum by showing how these concepts apply to one of the most significant purchases many young people will make—a car. Through the sessions, students explored:
• The budgeting process when buying a vehicle
• Financing options and how credit scores impact interest rates
• Trade-ins and how they reduce the cost of a new vehicle
• Warranties and maintenance costs, including the benefits of certified pre-owned vehicles
• The pros and cons of leasing versus buying
The team emphasized that the skills students develop in class—such as smart budgeting and financial literacy—are directly applicable to their future lives, whether they are buying a car, taking out a loan, or building credit.
Hands-On Learning with Real Vehicles
To make the experience more interactive, Marlow Auto Group brought three vehicles to the school:
• 2025 Nissan Frontier
• Certified Pre-Owned 2022 Nissan Altima
• 2024 Nissan Ariya Electric Vehicle
Students had the chance to explore the vehicles, learning how to check tire pressure and conduct basic inspections. For many, this was their first encounter with an electric vehicle (EV), and the Nissan Ariya quickly became the highlight of the event.
“We were amazed by how excited the students were to learn about the Ariya,” said Jason Johnson. “Many of them had never been inside an electric vehicle, and they had tons of questions about how it works and what it’s like to own one.”
In addition to discussing electric vehicle ownership, the team explained the environmental and financial benefits of EVs, sparking conversations about sustainability and the future of transportation.
Exploring Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles and Reading Carfax Reports
As part of the session, students also learned about the advantages of Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles. Using the 2022 Nissan Altima as an example, the Marlow team explained that CPO vehicles offer lower prices and warranties similar to new cars—an option students should consider when planning a purchase. The presentation included a walkthrough of a Carfax report, teaching students what to look for when buying a used car. They reviewed key elements such as:
• Accident history
• Service and maintenance records
• Title status
By learning how to read and interpret these reports, students gained practical skills that will serve them well as consumers.
Engaging Discussions and Memorable Moments
The students responded enthusiastically, asking thoughtful questions about financing, maintenance, and the future of electric vehicles. For many, the session provided new insights into the complexity of car ownership.
“This experience gave the students a real-world context for what they’re learning in class,” said Greg Strosnider. “We wanted to make sure they left with not only knowledge but also confidence to navigate the car buying process when the time comes.”
The interactive format ensured that students were actively engaged throughout the presentation, reinforcing the importance of financial literacy in personal and career success.
Supporting Car Buying Education and Community Engagement
At Marlow Auto Group, we are committed to building a better community by supporting local schools and educational programs. Our involvement in the Economics and Personal Finance class at Sherando High School aligns with one of our core values: “Community: Building a better community together.” By providing students with practical knowledge, we help them develop financial literacy and decision-making skills—critical competencies that will serve them well as consumers, employees, and citizens.
Plans for Future Engagement
The success of this event has inspired Marlow Auto Group to explore similar opportunities with other schools in the region. We look forward to offering future workshops that teach essential life skills and financial literacy through hands-on activities and real-world examples. If your school is interested in partnering with Marlow Auto Group for future car buying education for students presentations, or career days, we would love to hear from you! We believe that by bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world experiences, we can empower students to achieve their full potential. Our goal is to prepare the next generation of consumers and professionals with the knowledge they need to succeed—whether they’re buying their first car, planning their finances, or starting a career.
About Marlow Auto Group
Marlow Auto Group has proudly served communities in Virginia for over 75 years, with locations in Front Royal, Winchester, and Luray. We offer a wide range of automotive services, including new and pre-owned vehicle sales, financing, parts, and maintenance. Our commitment to community involvement extends beyond the sales floor—through education, sponsorships, and partnerships, we aim to make a positive impact on the people we serve.
