Buying a used car will save you thousands of dollars. Some car owners enjoy trading in a car every couple years which is perfect for used car buyers to get a great deal. Most importantly you need to know how to avoid a scam when buying a used car.
One of the main scams when buying a used car is hiding the fact the vehicle has been in an accident. Even if you buy from a dealership, many salespeople will not speak up about the past history of the car. You should use a site like Carfax to check on the history of the car you would like to buy. This report will tell you if the car has been in an accident, how many owners, and if the car has been used for commercial purposes. All of this information will help you make an informed decision.
Another scam you need to avoid is purchasing a used car from someone who does not actually own the vehicle. You might wonder how this can happen, but all a person has to do is sign the title with the owner’s name. It is simple to ask the person you are dealing with to show some type of identification and match the ID with the title. Usually this type of scam occurs when you buy from a private individual.
Some used car sellers are trying to get rid of a vehicle that has serious problems. They may get the car running long enough to sell it knowing the vehicle could break down at any moment. Whether you are buying from an individual or a dealership, most used cars are sold “as is.” This means you are stuck with the vehicle when it breaks down. To avoid this type of scam you should have a mechanic check out the car before you buy. If the owner doesn’t want you to either take it to a mechanic or have the mechanic come to the car, walk away from the deal.
Finally don’t waste money on extended warranties. When you are buying from a dealership the finance department may try to talk you into purchasing warranties to deal with mechanic problems. Often these warranties have fine print and will not actually cover the repairs you need. Even if you buy the used car from a private individual, you may receive offers in the mail for warranties. Save the money you would have spent on a warranty and use it to maintain your car.
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