The Dangers to Watch Out for When Buying Used Cars

by Rafih Auto Group

Introduction

Because the price of a brand new car does not exactly come cheap, a lot of people assume that buying a pre-owned vehicle would necessarily turn out to be a much more economical option. However, if buyers do not pay enough attention, they may end up losing more money than they save.

In this presentation, we propose to review the top 6 dangers of buying used cars.

Danger 1: Price Add-Ons

The first danger that you face comes from charges. In order to maximize their return on the used car, some dealers will insert aftermarket add-ons including sunroof, stereo system, tinted glass, and other accessories that may bump up the price of the vehicle. The buyer’s comfort and satisfaction are not the motivation for these improvements, though. In most cases, these dealers are only trying to milk the cow.

To avoid falling for this trap, buyers should request a thorough explanation of the quote and make sure that each item is fully justified. If the buyer does not deem them necessary but the dealer insists, it would be best to leave and look for a more honest deal.

Danger 2: Defects

In addition to bumping up the perceived value of the used car, dealers may also use add-ons to hide the defects lying underneath. The most common trick is to make the exterior shiny and flawless so that buyers would not even bother checking under the hood.

Most problems that come with used cars do not have anything to do with the exterior but rather with the car's mechanical condition. A buyer should always be thorough with the inspection. In fact, it is highly recommended to have a professional check every detail to avoid ending up with a defective car.

Danger 3: Title Shenanigans

Another possible problematic aspect of buying used cars involves the title. Tracing the vehicle's history is very important. When a buyer recognizes any proof of title shenanigans, he should immediately walk away.

Failure to do so might expose you to serious problems in the future.

Danger 4: Stolen Cars

When the car is suspiciously marked down, it could be a sign that the dealer is just too desperate to sell. That's when the red light should go up. There is always a possibility that it may have been stolen.

When you purchase such a car, the vehicle technically still belongs to the original owner. It can be reclaimed and you will not receive a single dime in compensation for it! Statistics show that 160,000 vehicles get stolen every year. Imagine if you end up with one of those...

Danger 5: Outstanding Finance

If the previous owner still owes money, the used car can still be seized by the finance company. And don't go thinking that “it only happens to other people” since 50% of new car purchases are made through a financing plan.

If a buyer fails to check the used car's history thoroughly, there is a danger of losing the vehicle AND the money he put forward.

Danger 6: Clocking

This is a common trick that dealers use and abuse in order to make the car look more valuable than it really is. Clocking involves winding the odometer back. This results in mileage discrepancies.

A wound down meter can lead the buyer into thinking that the car has gone through less wear and tear than it actually has been subjected to.

Conclusion

While buying your car used has its share of advantages, unfortunately there are also corresponding risks. From hidden defects to tampered odometers, that new purchase of yours which seemed too good to be true can quickly reveal what a nightmare it really is.

Luckily, all these dangers can be avoided by doing simple research and entrusting your needs to a reliable dealer with a good reputation.

For more information about used cars and how to benefit from the best deals, visit: http://www.rafihautogroup.com/