When I turned 16 and went out to shop for my first car with my
savings, all I could afford was used so I started perusing the classifieds in
my local paper and found one worth looking into. The friendly seller seemed sincere; the car
was a few years old but looked practically new. My mechanic, who I brought along with me, test
drove the car with me and gave the engine a passing test. I (naively) ended up purchasing it with cash,
rather than check upon the seller’s insistence.
Shortly after owning the car, I got into a minor fender bender
so I made a beeline to a body shop for a repair estimate. To my surprise, I received a call from the repair
guy who told me that the car had been in a fairly major accident prior to
this. The frame was bent and
straightened. What??!! I quickly realized why the seller insisted on
cash and why the car looked practically new.
He had a collision, fixed and painted the car and decided to sell it. Being a rookie in the car shopping
experience, I kicked myself in the you-know-what for not asking more questions:
whether the car had been in an accident, what repairs had been done in the
past, etc…
As it turns out, there are good, valid reasons to ask investigative
questions to a dealer or private seller, and it’s imperative you get the
answers in writing. As many Lemon Law
lawyers would agree, there are several vital questions consumers should
always ask a seller. Some are solely for
dealer transaction, but at any rate, they are prime examples of how thorough and
vigilant buyers should be when purchasing a motor vehicle.
What
is the repair history for this vehicle?
If the car is relatively new or Certified Pre-Owned, a dealer should be capable of looking up the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and giving you a record of the work that’s been performed on the car at various dealerships. While it won’t include repairs by shops that aren’t associated with the manufacturer, you could gather important information about problems encountered by the previous owner. If you are purchasing a car from a private seller, there are many websites where you can look up the VIN yourself or run a CARFAX report before deciding to buy. This information will uncover important info such as any prior flood damage, odometer rollback, prior repair information, and title information (junked or salvaged titles).
If the car is relatively new or Certified Pre-Owned, a dealer should be capable of looking up the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and giving you a record of the work that’s been performed on the car at various dealerships. While it won’t include repairs by shops that aren’t associated with the manufacturer, you could gather important information about problems encountered by the previous owner. If you are purchasing a car from a private seller, there are many websites where you can look up the VIN yourself or run a CARFAX report before deciding to buy. This information will uncover important info such as any prior flood damage, odometer rollback, prior repair information, and title information (junked or salvaged titles).
Can you
verify the odometer reading?
Odometer fraud is unfortunately all too common. Many
consumers are under the impression that electronic odometers make it more
difficult to change the reading, but it is just the opposite. The dealer should
be able to verify the odometer reading through the vehicle’s repair history,
present mechanical condition and title history.”
Can
I see the vehicle’s title?
Some deceitful used car dealers may attempt to misrepresent vehicles. In many states, a vehicle’s title must indicate if the car was a lemon buyback, or a rebuilt or salvage vehicle. Check to see how titles are marked in your state through your state’s Attorney General. Remember that seeing a vehicle’s title is not a substitute for researching the VIN or running a CARFAX report. Used car dealers sometimes commit title washing, where a lemon buyback or salvage vehicle from one state is transported to and sold in another state with less stringent titling requirements. Looking up the VIN is the only way you’ll know where the vehicle has been. Note that relying on a CARFAX report is not sufficient, since many dealers have been known to alter them.
Some deceitful used car dealers may attempt to misrepresent vehicles. In many states, a vehicle’s title must indicate if the car was a lemon buyback, or a rebuilt or salvage vehicle. Check to see how titles are marked in your state through your state’s Attorney General. Remember that seeing a vehicle’s title is not a substitute for researching the VIN or running a CARFAX report. Used car dealers sometimes commit title washing, where a lemon buyback or salvage vehicle from one state is transported to and sold in another state with less stringent titling requirements. Looking up the VIN is the only way you’ll know where the vehicle has been. Note that relying on a CARFAX report is not sufficient, since many dealers have been known to alter them.
Is there
still a manufacturer’s warranty on this vehicle?
If the car you are looking at is relatively new, it may still be covered under the original manufacturer’s warranty. If that is the case, be sure to attain the warranty documents from the dealership or the seller. To give yourself more reassurance, call the manufacturer before you buy and give them the VIN to verify that the original warranty is still valid.
If the car you are looking at is relatively new, it may still be covered under the original manufacturer’s warranty. If that is the case, be sure to attain the warranty documents from the dealership or the seller. To give yourself more reassurance, call the manufacturer before you buy and give them the VIN to verify that the original warranty is still valid.
What
is your return policy?
In a previous blog post, we covered Lemon Law myths, in which one refers to the law mandating a cooling-off period, which covers the time you can return a vehicle if you change your mind. Generally, the 3-day right to cancel a contract doesn’t cover vehicle sales. However, some dealers do have a return policy. Ask what the return policy is and get it in writing. There are a few states with a used car Lemon Law, but it’s an option of last resort.
In a previous blog post, we covered Lemon Law myths, in which one refers to the law mandating a cooling-off period, which covers the time you can return a vehicle if you change your mind. Generally, the 3-day right to cancel a contract doesn’t cover vehicle sales. However, some dealers do have a return policy. Ask what the return policy is and get it in writing. There are a few states with a used car Lemon Law, but it’s an option of last resort.
Can
I see the Buyers Guide?
There is a Federal law which states that every used vehicle must have a Buyers Guide conspicuously posted (which usually is posted on one of the rear windows). The Buyers Guide lets you know if the dealer is selling the car “as is” or if there is warranty coverage. If so, the Buyers Guide indicates what’s covered and how much the dealer will contribute towards repair costs. If there is not a posted Buyer’s Guide, turn around run away fast.
There is a Federal law which states that every used vehicle must have a Buyers Guide conspicuously posted (which usually is posted on one of the rear windows). The Buyers Guide lets you know if the dealer is selling the car “as is” or if there is warranty coverage. If so, the Buyers Guide indicates what’s covered and how much the dealer will contribute towards repair costs. If there is not a posted Buyer’s Guide, turn around run away fast.
Can
I get that in writing?
Dealers eager to unload vehicles will often promise you the moon and stars when it comes to warranties, financing, extra bells and whistles or vehicle repairs. Whether it’s from a dealer or private seller, ask for the promise in writing as part of the contract. If you don’t, it will be an uphill battle proving the misrepresentation. In regards to financing, NEVER leave a dealership without the financing arranged, agreed to and signed for. We’ve had past clients who did that and were victims of bait-and-switch scams.
Dealers eager to unload vehicles will often promise you the moon and stars when it comes to warranties, financing, extra bells and whistles or vehicle repairs. Whether it’s from a dealer or private seller, ask for the promise in writing as part of the contract. If you don’t, it will be an uphill battle proving the misrepresentation. In regards to financing, NEVER leave a dealership without the financing arranged, agreed to and signed for. We’ve had past clients who did that and were victims of bait-and-switch scams.
"Looking up the VIN is the only way you’ll know where the vehicle has been", yes that's right. It is the one of best ways to buy a vehicle without body replacement etc as you would observe. Here is https://vincarhistory.com/license-plate-lookup/new-york check any license plate online and get information about vehicle. Every deal would be twice safer if we had an all-knowing adviser eager to uncover any fraud. Especially when buying really expensive things like cars.
ReplyDeleteext style. Shading plan. Name game plan. Content size. Dividing. Incorporation of a scale or hammer picture. trademark registration
ReplyDeleteBefore moving toward a logo fashioner or making the logo yourself, there are some critical advances you can take to get a reasonable picture of what the logo should involve and how it ought to speak to your law firm. trademark registration
ReplyDeleteOften it is not just the driver who is a victim in the accident but also those standing by. An auto accident lawyer looks after the claims and compensation for human life as well as destruction of property. Detroit Auto Accident Lawyer
ReplyDeleteThe Affair Detector can help you. With this book, you will learn how to act like a polygraph machine http://www.liedetectors.co.uk
ReplyDeleteThere are various law firms that take into account the necessities of independent company. World's local classifieds
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy friend recommended this blog and he was totally right keep up the fantastic work! Auto accident attorney
ReplyDeleteThanks for the information.Your blog is very informative.You can now get performance engine tuning training to enhance car engine performance.
ReplyDeleteIncredible posting this is from you. I am really and truly thrilled to read this marvelous post. You've really impressed me today. I hope you'll continue to do so! Click Here
ReplyDeleteLike the way you've written this post. MaxiCabNow offers affordable airport cab transfer services online click maxi cab booking singapore
ReplyDeleteExcellent blog posted by you. This is very helpful for those who think to buy new vehicle. For buy latest model of audi visit here audi new
ReplyDeleteAppreciating the persistence you put into your blog and detailed information you provide. I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account. hail repair denver
ReplyDeleteI’ve been surfing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be a lot more useful than ever before. property tort
ReplyDeleteVery efficiently written information about car purchasing. It will be beneficial to anybody who utilizes it. car parking lift provide the car parking lift and all other mechanic shop equipment at a affordable prices.
ReplyDeleteA lot of valuable information can be derived from the post. Get the professional and expert mechanic team to repair your car from San Antonio bumper repair
ReplyDeleteFrom 100 years, the mechanical advances in the automobile segment have given staggering development and improvement to the automobile business. https://bestbabyessentials.com/best-narrowest-car-seats/
ReplyDeleteYou have chosen a very interesting topic for the discussion. Your article is very useful for those who are looking to buy new car. Visit on BMW in Greensboro who provide the the quality and level of the service at independent price.
ReplyDeleteFound this article is full of informative and helpful content, really love to read it. If you're looking for a new or pre-owned Lincoln, Lincoln service experts you can trust and flexible financing that works with your budget, turn to North Park Lincoln in San Antonio, TX.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for sharing such an amazing blog that answers all the Questions you should ask when buying an automobile. If you are looking to hire Limo Service for Birthday in Dubai for more information.
ReplyDeleteI was surfing net and fortunately came across this site and found very interesting stuff here. Its really fun to read. I enjoyed a lot. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information..
ReplyDeleteBest Bow Sight
Found this article is full of informative and helpful content, really love to read it. Hiring a car while on vacation in Crete is probably the most cost-effective and efficient way to go. Visit here Crete car for more.
ReplyDeleteA lot of valuable information can be derived from the post. Get the Denver to Vail limo rental services at the best prices from mountaincars.com.
ReplyDeleteI am happy that I came to see this, I truly adored it your expounding path on automobile. Much obliged to you for sharing it. I have bookmarked your page, eager to see a greater amount of it! conveyancing point cook
ReplyDeleteI think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. Parking Lifts Made In USA
ReplyDeleteI completely recognized this article as I found heaps of huge information. Thankful for sharing this post. Get the best info about automotive lead providers then visit on leadlocate.com
ReplyDeleteFind Harley Davidson New bikes price list for all Harley Davidson bike models launched on Rashgear.Also know expected price, launch date, specifications, images at Rashgear.com
ReplyDeleteI am glad to say that this is a very useful post. superb and intresting.one of the best post.this inspired a new blog. Thanks for sharing wonderful information . Used Jaguar Engine
ReplyDeleteA debt of gratitude is for giving some reliable information from this post as it contains some essential data about the professional resource. Continue Posting. car dealers Greenville sc
ReplyDeleteAutomobile Engineering is the branch of engineering which deals with designing, manufacturing, mechanical mechanisms as well operations of automobiles. Used Mazda Engine
ReplyDeleteNice & informative article, I highly appreciate your efforts, we provide the best Wrongful Death Lawyer in Texas, US.
ReplyDeleteExcellent information, I am heartily thankful to you that you have shared this information with us. I got some different kind of knowledge from your article, and it is helpful for everyone. Thanks for share it. Condo association laws
ReplyDeleteValuable information. Thanks for publishing such great information. You are doing such a great job. This information is very helpful for everyone. Keep it up. Thanks.Car Finance Online Application Winnipeg
ReplyDeleteCar rental companies hire professional drivers that drive safely and well versed with routes besides being well aware of traffic laws. araƧ kiralama
ReplyDeleteGreat set of questions to mitigate future legal troubles, very professional advices. For all legal matters it is good to take professional advice from reliable law firms. Mediation Attorney Northshore
ReplyDeleteNice article!
ReplyDeleteBefore you choose a auto body shop for your car service make sure
1. you have compared the service price.
2. You have checked the experience of the shop.
3. You have checked the online reviews.
And questions you can
1.) How much experience do you have.
2.) Service price.
3.) Do you use updated tools and equipment.
My favourite shop is Winter's Auto Service shop in Winnipeg. This shop also have mpi winter tire program
how to answer a lawsuit for debt collection in texas, Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our.
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly concur with this article and I simply need to state that this article is an extremely overall quite exceptionally educational article. thank you for this article.plant and machinery valuation in dubai
ReplyDeleteThe post you have shared here is really great as it contains some good knowledge which is very useful for me. Thanks for posting it. Keep it up. Houston family attorney
ReplyDeleteI will share it with my other friends as the information is really very useful. Online Cab Booking Service In Hyderabad Keep sharing your excellent work.
ReplyDeleteI really want to thank the author for such a nice blog that helped me to understand why it is important. Car Servicing Epsom
ReplyDeleteMake sure you get a tractor with a diesel engine. Diesel engines have better performance and usually last longer than gas engines. Implements also work better on diesel engine tractors. tractors for sale UK
ReplyDeleteYou composed this post cautiously which is beneficial for us.domestic vehicle repair Kamloops I got some different kind of information from your article and I will suggest reading this article who need this info. Thanks for share it.
ReplyDeleteYou have shared such a great article in this post. I got some useful knowledge about Automobile from this post. Thanks for posting it. Keep it up. car repair perrysburg
ReplyDelete