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There’s an old timeless stereotype, some may even call it an archetype of this point, of the sleazy car salesman. You might expect them to wear a shirt a size too big and not ironed, wearing a goatee, shades, slick-backed hair, and a smile that suggest they see you, and your wallet, coming.
Now, that might be easy to imagine of course, but the truth is anyone can rip you off when it comes to purchasing a car. After all, not everyone is an expert in every single car model, and if you’re relatively new to driving it’s easy to buy something second-hand that simply doesn’t work as you’d like it to.
So, how can you avoid being taken advantage of when purchasing a car? Well, there are some worthwhile principles you can stick to, so the sheer audacity of wanting to drive a nice vehicle isn’t something you have to pay financial penance for.
Please consider the following when purchasing a car
Learn To Test Drive & Check For Prior Repairs
A test drive is often unmistakable, because while a car might not show faults now but later, you can stell little things, such as listening for odd sounds, testing the brakes, and noticing how the steering responds. If something feels off such as a slight pull to one side, a delay in acceleration, or a rattle you can’t place, it’s worth asking about it and being extremely skeptical of any assertion to dismiss it. These issues heavily imply bigger problems that might burn a hole in your wallet.
While you’re at it, pop the “hood” or “bonnet” too. You don’t need to be a mechanic to spot signs of past repairs, because fresh paint on engine parts, obviously new or altered bolts, or seals that look newer than they should be can show work was done without letting you know. That’s not necessarily a red flag, but it’s worth asking what was fixed and why and if there’s any reticence on the part of the seller, assume you can’t trust them.
Read Through The Documentation
Service history really does matter even if it’s not exactly the most engaging reading. A well-maintained car will have records of oil changes, tire rotations, and any major repairs on top of that, and if the seller can’t provide these, it’s not an automatic dealbreaker for everyone, but it does mean you’ll want to be extra thorough. We’d suggest you don’t risk it, especially if you’re not highly experienced in what to look for.
Check the vehicle identification number (VIN) against online databases, because that might have more information, such as seeing if there are any recalls or reported accidents. Some sellers might not mention a small bump from years ago, but even minor collisions can lead to lingering problems that again, ultimately become your problem to fix (and pay for). A quick search could save you from buying a car that’s been patched up just enough to sell, and save you pain. Never ever assume thinking about it and taking time to do this is rude behavior as a customer. You take all the time you need.
Go For Verified, Trusted Used Dealers Or Individuals
Buying from a random stranger online might save you money upfront, but it also comes with risks because you can never be 100% sure. Some seller sites have reviews from people who sell a few cars or have engaged with the process in the past, and you may find good reviews that way.
Dealerships, especially those that have been verified by manufacturers (even used ones can have this), will sometimes offer warranties or return policies on used cars, and it’s not like they’ll just vanish if you buy now. That safety net can be worth the slightly higher price.
Get Everything In Writing
Sometimes you need to write a contract with someone not just as a bill of sale, because if the seller promises to fix a dent or include a set of winter tires, you can make sure it’s written into the contract. A handwritten note signed by both of you is better than nothing, but a proper sales agreement is best.
This goes for price negotiations too, as some sellers might suddenly remember “extra fees” when it’s time to sign. Agree on the total cost beforehand, and if anything changes, don’t be afraid to step back and never use them again. A deal that feels shaky now will only feel worse later, no matter what sales tactics they try to use on you.
Check Your Insurance Policies Thoroughly
Before you commit, call your insurance provider and be fully investigative about what plan you’re on. Some cars cost far more to insure than others, especially if they’re more likely to experience theft or expensive repairs. A cheap purchase price could be less of a deal if the insurance is a joke, so to speak.
If you’re buying from a dealer, ask about their insurance partnerships. Sometimes they can offer better rates, but always compare with your own provider. However, don’t think that the insurance company has your best interest at heart, because they often don’t, as you can see from car finance claims against mis-sold PCP and other programs that have left customers reaching to lawsuits to fix the issue.
Take Time Before Jumping Into A Purchase & Beware Of Fast-Sell Tactics
A good deal shouldn’t vanish just because you don’t purchase right this moment. No matter who you’re buying it from (be that someone online or a more establishment car lot), f a seller pressures you with “offers” that expire in hours or claims there’s another buyer waiting, be skeptical. It’s best to lose out on a genuine deal than to suffer a scam because they pressured you into it and left you no time to really think.
It’s generally wise to sleep on it. Test drive another car or two for comparison if you’re unsure. The right vehicle will still be there tomorrow, and if it’s not, there’s always another one. There are many cars out there. The only time you should hurry is if you’ve done all your homework and know exactly what you’re getting, or if you can implicitly trust the person you’re buying from, like a long-term friend.
With this advice, we hope you can avoid being taken advantage of even when purchasing a new vehicle.
Image Credit: depositphotos.com
