You’re set on buying your next vehicle used to save some cash. Good for you! As you can guess, we’re all for investing in safe, reliable used vehicles that don’t depreciate the moment you drive them off the lot. There are a number of ways to buy a used vehicle, such as through a private seller, an online dealer, or a reputable used car lot. Unfortunately, though, not every experience turns out for the best. Here are some of our top tips for avoiding scams when buying a quality used vehicle.
Avoiding Scams When Buying a Used Vehicle – 10 Tips
1. Do Your Research
Don’t go into looking at a used vehicle without some knowledge about the make and the model. Before you start shopping, research the make, model, and year of the vehicle(s) you’re interested in.
Familiarize yourself with their typical prices, common issues, and expected mileage. This knowledge will help you spot deals that seem too good to be true.
2. Always See the Car in Person
Never send money or make a purchase without seeing the vehicle in real life. Scammers often use fake photos or stolen images to lure unsuspecting buyers. If you’re working with a private seller, always meet in a safe, well-lit, public location. Ask to see the seller’s identification and ensure their name matches the one on the vehicle’s title.
3. Take a Test Drive
A vehicle might look perfect when stationary, but issues often reveal themselves on the road. Always take a test drive before making a purchase. Try out all the vehicle’s features and ask for maintenance records.
Check out these test drive tips for some important points to check when inspecting and driving a vehicle.
4. Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The VIN is a unique identifier for every car. It’s a good idea to verify a vehicle’s VIN online before purchasing. This will reveal if the vehicle has been stolen, flooded, or declared a total loss after an accident.
Ensure that the VIN on all documents matches the one on the vehicle itself.
5. Get a Vehicle History Report
A vehicle history report from a reputable provider like Carfax or AutoCheck can provide crucial information about the car’s past, including accidents, maintenance records, and previous owners. If the seller doesn’t provide one, consider purchasing it yourself.
Usually, if you buy from a used dealership, you’ll be able to examine the vehicle history report at no extra charge.
6. Have the Car Inspected by a Trusted Mechanic
Even after reviewing the vehicle history report, it’s wise to have a trusted mechanic inspect the car. They can spot potential issues that might not be visible to an untrained eye and could save you from costly repairs down the line.
At Tillema Auto, all of our vehicles are thoroughly inspected by our competent mechanics before becoming available for sale.
7. Be Wary of Pressure Tactics
Scammers often try to rush you into a decision. If a seller claims they’re moving soon, going overseas, or need to sell quickly for a relative, be cautious. These are common tactics used to pressure buyers into hasty decisions.
If it feels scammy, there’s a good chance that it is. Don’t let your emotions overrule good decision making.
8. Avoid Unusual Payment Methods
Be extremely wary if a seller insists on payment through gift cards or other non-standard methods. This is almost always a sign of a scam. Stick to secure, traceable payment methods.
If you go through a private seller, it’s always a good idea to write up a bill of sale and make sure that both parties sign it.
9. Watch Out for Curbstoning
Curbstoning is when dealers pose as private sellers to avoid regulations. They often meet buyers in parking lots or alongside curbs. To avoid this, try to buy from reputable dealerships or verify that the car’s title is in the seller’s name if buying from a private party.
10. Trust Your Instincts
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut feeling. If something feels off about the transaction, it’s better to walk away than to risk falling victim to a scam.
Avoid Scams by Choosing a Reputable Used Car Dealership
At Tillema Auto, we break the mold by holding to the highest standards of trustworthiness, honesty, and fairness in the used vehicle industry. We know that your vehicle is a very important part of your daily life, and we want to see you end up in something that’s reliable. We believe that treating customers right leads to long-term relationships that benefit both of us.
We’re located in Byron Center, MI and offer a variety of used vehicles. Each one has been thoroughly inspected by our competent mechanics before being put on the lot.
Worried about avoiding scams, and want to take the hassle out of used vehicle buying? You can relax when you work with Tillema Auto. Browse our inventory online, or give us a call at 616-878-5991 to start your search.
