Nowadays, life can be pretty hard. Everything is increasing with prices escalating out of site! This makes us all targets of potential scams and frauds.
With all these swindlers and scammers lurking just about anywhere, it is best to always be on guard and to know the things to be avoided in order to prevent the probability of being a victim of frauds and swindles.
Consequently, people who are buying used cars should also be aware of the different fraudulent activities being employed by unscrupulous people in order to have the best buy of used cars.
Moreover, people who are aware that the cars they have bought are stolen, chances are, they will be held liable.
Here are some things to avoid when buying used cars:
1. Used car buyers should avoid any transactions that are “too good to be true.” This will only make the matter worst if the buyer will believe that the deal is the best-used car deal ever.
2. Buyers should avoid buying used cars from sellers that do not provide a permanent address or the actual place of work of the phone number given.
3. It is important for a buyer to check on the VIN or the vehicle identification number plate. It must be securely fastened onto the used car’s dashboard, with no rivets that are loosened.
Loosened rivets would mean that the VIN plate does not fit or it has been previously removed.
4. Also, the buyer should also avoid buying used cars that have VIN plates that are touched up, its paint is newly retouched, and the numbers look as if they are not the original “factory numbers.”
VIN plates can be easily swapped by a thief and use those that are taken from a destroyed vehicle.
5. As much as possible, it would be better to avoid buying a used car that is freshly painted. There are instances wherein the stolen car’s identity is being changed through changing its paint color.
6. Used car buyers should avoid buying cars from a seller that cannot present the car’s “insurance policy.” This could mean that the car is stolen or the seller is not the true owner of the car.
It is extremely important for the buyers to take note of these things before buying a used car. An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure!
Looking for the cheapest car through buying used cars is a smart practice. However, when the buyer is truly saving and is on a tight budget, buying a used car should not be immediately decided upon and should take a lot of deliberation. This is to avoid throwing away your hard-earned money.
Therefore, for people who already know something about buying used cars but wish to know when not to buy them, here are some pointers that may help people in their decision-making:
1. Buyers should be wary of buying used cars from owners that do not have complete and pertinent documents.
This could mean a lot of negative things and the buyer is the only one who will be at the losing end. Documents are crucial especially if the car is second hand. It is the only solid guarantee that a buyer can get hold of when buying used cars.
If this is the case, then, the buyer might as well not pursue the deal.
2. Buyers should consider their budget
If the reason why the buyer is opting to purchase a used car is the budget, then it should be the same reason why the buyer should be careful and meticulous in choosing a used car.
Hence, if the car needs a lot of maintenance, repairs, and other modifications, it is best not to buy that used car.
3. If the buyer is not comfortable after test-driving the car, then, it is best not to buy it.
There are instances wherein some people tend to opt for used cars because of the model of the car being sold. It is their dream car and there is no other way they can purchase them but to buy them second hand.
However, if the buyer was not comfortable with the car after test-driving it, then, it would be better not to pursue the deal, even if it means the world to the buyer to have that car.
The bottom line is that buying used cars should never be the sole alternative to people who cannot afford to buy new ones. This means that people should value the process of choosing a used car like what they would do when they buy a new car.
After all, it is their money that will be put to risk that is why it is extremely important to consider all the factors in order to have the best buy ever.
If you are planning to sell your used car to a vehicle dealer, you should be aware of the basic process in determining the worth of your car. This would ensure you would not be scammed and taken for granted by car dealer experts.
* What is the Blue Book value?
The Blue Book value is a basic term used in the car-buying business. It means the worth or cost of a vehicle. This vital book determines the price of what dealers are willing to pay for a used car.
* Where could you find the Blue Book value?
There are several resources responsible for determining the value of your car. The two most popular is the Kelley Blue Book and the N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides.
The Kelley Blue Book, which invented the term Blue Book, is a principal source for determining the loan value on used cars. It has been providing information for 75 years.
The N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides, which was established in 1933, is another helpful Blue Book that provides car buyers to review the car’s worth.
* How does the Blue Book determine the value of a used car?
The Blue Book calculates the value of your car based on the make, the model and year. The book also considers factors such as conditions of the used-cars, mileage and other options. The majority of the popular Blue Books are free for public use in their respective web sites. They provide user-friendly worksheets to help determine the appropriate value of a used car. Being aware of the Blue Book value of your car would help you search for a fair deal.
* How do you determine the amount you wish to spend on buying a use car?
If you’re planning to buy a used car, you should determine how much money you are willing to spend. Consider the additional expenses such as the tags when applying for a car loan, extra tax, and purchasing of the car title.
* How does the Blue Book determine the final values?
Many organizations and individuals make use of the Blue Book. Car auctions, private owners, rentals and fleets, franchised and independent dealers all use the Blue Book to determine the final value.
Used car values are determined by a respectable editorial process. Each process starts with an analysis of the collected data which include the current economic conditions, the historical trends, seasonality, location and industry developments. The final value reflects the most current representation of the changing car marketplace.
Be a wise used-car shopper and avoid bad deals and investments. Check with the Blue Book to find helpful guidelines in your used-car purchase
Buying a used car can either be a wise or a foolish move. Someone with no background or knowledge whatsoever on finding a good buy might just be duped into a bad deal and end up with somebody else’s garbage. But for the knowledgeable buyer, a significant amount of money might be saved by settling with a secondhand car.
Here are some tips to set you on the right track.
1. CONSIDER THE KIND OF CAR YOU NEED.
It’s okay to stick to a price range or budget. But first consider the kind of car you be need. Prices vary according to the brand and make of a car. For instance, a small sedan is cheaper, but if you’d pack that car with lots of people or packages, that would cause tearing or breakdown. This would necessitate lots of repair jobs which would mean more expenses for you.
2. DO YOUR HOMEWORK.
Check out the classifieds for the regular market price ranges on the type of used car that you are going to buy.
3. CHEAP IS NOT ALWAYS THE BEST.
Don’t be fooled by the price. Consider the amount of money you will still need to shell out to recondition the used car once you buy it.
4. WHERE TO SCOUT
Private sellers usually sell at a cheaper price. The advantage though of buying from a dealer is that it usually comes with good warranty.
Be bold enough to scout from private sellers if you are confident that you can assess the condition of the used car fairly well. If not, maybe you could bring a mechanic to check out the vehicle.
When opting to buy from used car dealers, be careful not to be taken in by persuasive talk. Don’t take their word for it, check the car yourself.
5. TEST DRIVE BASICS
Be sure to watch out for these:
a. Does the car swerve on either direction? (Also, see if the tires have uneven wear.) If so, it would need a wheel alignment.
b. Is the air cool enough? If not, check if it’s simply a lack of freeon or worse.
c. Are the brakes in good condition?
d. Do you hear unusual sounds? If so, the engine might have problems.
6. INTERIOR CHECKLIST
The condition of the interior gives clue to how much the car has been used and taken cared of. Also, a very low mileage reading on a badly looking interior is a sign of meter tampering.
7. CHECK THE EXTERIOR FOR RUST AND PAINTOVERS.
It might have been in an accident before.
8. CHECK THE GROUND UNDER THE CAR FOR SIGNS OF LEAKAGE.
9. CHECK THE OIL.
Oil should be clear. BLACK colored oil is not a good sign.
10. CHECK THE MUFFLER FOR LEAKS.
A WHITE or BLUE colored emission would be the sign.
Happy used car hunting!
Security from any fraud and unscrupulous activities should be a serious concern for anyone who is into sales, lease, jobs, or any kind of services that entail certain provisionary agreement and settlement.
Whether a party is a first time or an expert person, the industry and the services that go with it presents the concerned person with risks and challenges that you cannot underestimate. Every time that a person is engaged in a commercial transaction in the society, he or she is in danger of submitting their selves to probabilities of fraudulent activities.
That is why contracts were made to ensure the security of both parties involved.
Generally, contracts are created to provide solid information about the agreement that transpired between two or more parties and that any details stated therein are bounded by certain laws and regulations. Hence, it is extremely important for a person to know the important details of the contract before he or she signs and submits to the pact.
Here is a list of some of the things people should know before they sign a contract. Knowing these will surely protect them from any discrepancies or any fraudulent activities that may happen.
1. Be aware that a contract is a legal document, bound by legal provisions and stipulations.
As defined, it is a “legally binding,” printed arrangement signed by two or more factions or groups, which entails their commitment to each other.
With the term legal, this means that any provisions stated therein are bounded by law, in which, any act, made by a particular party or all of the parties concerned, that constitutes as non-conformity to the details of the agreement will be held liable with the law.
This means that anybody could be imprisoned or held in custody with the law unless other wise the concerned party is proven not guilty.
Hence, it is important to be meticulous about the details of the contract before signing it to avoid any potential risk.
2. Make sure that you are dealing with trustworthy and reliable companies
It is extremely important to know first who the concerned person is dealing with. Therefore, it would be better if an individual or a party would try to do some investigations and background checks first before they sign the contract.
If in the event that a person or a party is in doubt, it is best to follow their instincts and forego the signing of the contract.
3. Know the fine print
The problem with most people is that they assume every detail as part and partial of the whole agreement, thinking that everything will be stated as agreed verbally, and that there will be no harm if they will not read thoroughly the fine print.
This should not be the case; otherwise, they can get into trouble with the parties involved or with the law.
People should bear in mind, that the law fully assumes that any person or entity that has agreed to sign in a contract has fully understand the details stipulated therein. Hence, there is no excuse for any party who claims that they had missed certain details in the contract.
4. Make sure that all of the details about the contract are fully stated.
This means that all information pertinent to the agreement should be stipulated clearly and completely. For example, for service contracts, be sure that the beginning date and ending date of the service is clearly stated.
5. Make certain that there are no blank spaces in the contract
Before signing a contract, concerned parties should try to inspect the document meticulously and ensure that there are no blank spaces present. This may pose greater risks if left unattended, especially if their signatures are already affixed on the contract.
All of these things are boiled down to the fact that people should be very careful about transactions, deals, or agreements that they commit to. It is relatively important to be aware and knowledgeable of the details of the contract before signing it.
You may have heard that ignorance of the law is not an excuse. This is true, therefore, it is better to be fully aware of it than to be in trouble with the law in the end.
Upon purchasing a car, one may also be required to avail of an auto service contract to do away with untimely and expensive repairs. Before agreeing into any of it, one should first completely get a grip of both the contract’s terms and the one responsible for supplying the coverage.
The following will help in the understanding of the use of a car service contract and what should be considered before getting one.
Car Service Contract mistaken as a warranty
A car service contract should not be mistaken as a warranty as made understood by federal law even if it is sometimes called “extended warranty”. Similar to a warranty, a car service contract promises to provide or pay for particular services or repairs.
A warranty goes together with a new automobile and comes together with the original price of the car while an car service contract is sold separately and can be arranged for at anytime.
Things to consider in a car service contract:
o Duplication of car service contract with whichever warranty treatment
Before buying any car service contract, try comparing it with the manufacturer’s warranty first. This will avoid shelling out for coverage that may already be provided by the warranty.
o Accountability of car service contract
Check on who is accountable in performing or paying for reparations within the terms of the contract whether it is the dealership, the manufacturer, or an independent company.
A lot of these car service contracts that dealers sell are controlled by companies that are independent or administrators, as they are called. They function as adjusters of claims who authorize payment claims to dealers under service contract. Therefore, any dispute on claims should be discussed or settled with the supervisor.
Once the administrator stops his business, it is a possibility that the dealership may be compelling to execute the terms of the contract. It is also possible that if the dealer runs out of business, the administrator may be the one expected to complete the contract’s terms.
It is imperative to know the credibility of the dealer and/or the administrator. Inquire about their references and verify them. The local or state office for consumer protection, local automobile dealers associations, Department of Motor Vehicles, local Better Business Bureau are good sources of references and public information.
It is also important to know the length of time the dealer or administrator have had in the business. It is also vital to determine if the dealer or administrator has the funding to sustain their contractual responsibilities.
Know if the car service contract has an insurance company that has underwritten it. This is mandatory in some states. If it is so, verify the company’s solvency with the State Insurance Commission and check for complaints that might have been filed against it.
o Prices of Auto Service Contracts
The cost of auto service contracts are usually known through observing the vehicle’s model, make, condition whether it is new or used, the coverage, and the contract’s length. The price ranges from hundreds of dollars to over a thousand.
Over and above the initial charge may be an additional fee to pay known as deductible, every time the car is repaired or serviced. In some auto service contracts, one may pay just one charge for each visit for all the required restoration, no matter how many. On the other hand, other contracts demand the client to pay a deductible for each unrelated repair.
Transfer of cancelling fees may also be asked to be paid once the client decides to sell the car or wishes to finish the contract. Contracts usually decrease the payment for towing services and other related car rental expenses.
o Coverage
Only a few car service contracts treat all types of repair. Typical repairs for parts such as clutches and brakes are usually not coming with the service contracts. If some items are not listed in the service contract, assume that it is not included. An example of this is if the contract indicates coverage on the “drive train” only, it will surely not pay for the alternator which is a component of the electrical system.
Beware of absolute rules that reject or deny coverage for any reason. An example of this is if a part that is covered is damaged by a part that is not covered, no claim will be given.
One my not have full protection even on parts that are covered in the contract. This is possible due to some companies using a “depreciation factor” in calculating the coverage. This primarily means that the contract covers only partial repair or replacement costs if they take into consideration your vehicle’s mileage for instance.
Do you want to buy a car but don’t know how much you should spend or whether you should buy new or used vehicle? Do you know what kind of car you want but don’t know which cars meet your criteria? Do you have at least three or four cars in mind and would like to compare their specifications and prices? Do you know exactly what car you would like to buy but want to research it fully? Are you raring to buy a car right now?
Increases in the price of gas are accompanied by the increase in the number of fuel-saving scams around. A continuous rise in the price of gas is common news. This is accompanied by an upsurge in advertising exposures for “gas saving” gadgets. These products attract potential buyers searching for methods to maximize fuel efficiency.
Besides the obvious reason, transportation, are there any other pressing reasons for buying a car? Perhaps it is a necessity like requiring inexpensive transportation to and from work. Or, maybe you are a “stay at home” Mom or Dad and need a vehicle to haul children around to school and various other activities. Regardless of your reason, make certain that purchasing the car is for a valid purpose and not just because you want to outdo “The Joneses.”
In this guide we will show you some of the pitfalls to avoid as well as information to make your selection much easier. The following are basic reasons you should consider when making that all important car purchase.
Is it a good buy?
The best time period to buy that car you have always dreamed of having is later in the month. Usually, there are numerous rebate programs and bonus offered by month’s end based on a dealer’s monthly sales quotas. The idea is that, sometimes dealers fall short of meeting their sales objectives. If their performance is assessed by the end of the month this can prove to be good news to most car buyers since dealers now have no choice but to sell vehicles at a price that is lower than their norm. They are pressed to make more sales that will count for their monthly sales and that puts you at an advantage as a buyer.
Peace of mind
Sometimes dealers do a song and dance routine just to make that sale. The result is that often car buyers end up with car features they realize later on they do not really need and a price they actually could not afford. You can avoid this potential stress by always remembering to trust your instincts. If ever you feel in doubt, the answer — don’t — do not let yourself be pressured to making that purchase now.
This is a common strategy of car dealers wherein they compel the customer to buy that car, now, this moment, today!
Do not forget that you should always sleep on it and then decide. This is a lot better than making your mind up now and forever holding your peace.
First Impression
To quote a common cliché, first impressions usually last. Though not always true, when buying cars, you could get many ideas just by observing how car sales people deal with you. Usually, these non-verbal signals are fairly correct enough enabling you to know what to expect from your car purchase.
If at any time you feel that the person selling you the car is not trustworthy or simply do not like him or her, always remember that you have the option to leave. It is advisable that you do not sell yourself too much. Time is precious, especially yours. So do not waste it. You are always free to politely walk away, anytime, anywhere, and in any way you like it. But if there are not many car dealers in your area, you may want to linger for a few moments more and wait until the negotiations you have with your dealer breaks down and you simply have no option but to run off.
The Invoice Price
Another thing to consider when buying a car is the invoice price. Make sure to ask that you see the invoice. If dealers are working their tails off against it, you have enough reason to believe that the car being offered is an unpleasant deal.
Usually, the price on the invoice is the cost the dealer paid the manufacturer for buying the car. This is before any rebates or incentives were included. Once this is known, only then will you have an idea as to how much the dealer could profit from each vehicle sold. Knowing this information could enable one to be more confident then in negotiating the price.
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price
In layman’s term, this is commonly called the sticker price. This is the price one usually sees in the window of the car that is being sold.
Never ever consider paying the amount stated on the sticker price. This amount is just the starting point to your negotiations with the dealer.
Incentives
There are instances when manufacturers provide the dealers with a little something extra, like money, rebates or a bonus because they are able to sell cars that are either overstocked or undersold. Make sure that before actually purchasing a car, you were able to know if that car you are buying has some dealer incentives attached to it. If so, take off that amount from the car’s purchase price and have yourself a very good deal and hopefully, a very good car as well.
There are many flood damaged cars being sold on the market. Usually, flood damaged cars, SUVs and trucks are placed in salvage yards. Some though, are made spick and span and put into the car market and they will be up for sale. But the problem is, there really are no tell tale signs of flood damage that would give them away. This is because the cars will be restored so they would look almost like new. The damages caused by the flood would be erased or covered. After the changes, the cars will then be sold to unsuspecting buyers who thinks they are getting a good bargain.
Fact is flood damaged cars are being moved by unscrupulous merchants. Consumers can and should protect themselves against being taken advantage of in the auto market. Luckily, there are several things consumers can do to protect themselves from buying flood damaged cars.
The best things a consumer can do to be sure if a car is flood damaged or not is to get the history of the vehicle. You can do this by submitting the vehicle identification number (VIN) of a car to a website which provides vehicle history information. What these websites do is search a nationwide database of car information then gathers research on the car’s title, maintenance record, registration, and odometer. You will instantaneously know if the vehicle has been stolen, has had a troubled past, or has had its odometer rolled back through the report that the website will return. Just a little research on a car’s history will reveal if it has been salvaged, flooded, rebuilt, or is basically a “lemon.”
Prospective car buyers should be aware of flood damaged vehicles being sold on the car market. Why shouldn’t you buy flood damaged cars? Well simply because water leaves a lasting damage. Even if the devices and machines requiring electricity will restore it, it will probably fail sooner or later because mold and mildew aren’t’ easy to remove. And when a car is flood damaged any warranty warrant is voided.
Below are several things you can do to check if a car is flood damaged:
Check for moisture and dirt.
Flood damaged cars usually have moisture trapped and dirt inside the lights. Dampness can also be seen inside the compartment with glovesF, console and trunk so you better inspect these spots. Dirt, which can also be a sign of flood damage, can also accumulate under the hood. Moisture can also accumulate under the seat. Of course, rust is another telltale sign of flood damage.
Smell the car
Mildew can be easily detected by smelling. Mildew often forms on soaked fabrics so sharpen your sense of smell when you’re on the lookout for a new vehicle. Also try to detect other smells that could be caused by flood damage like spilled oil or fuel.
Check if components match
Mismatched component could mean that the component are changed hurriedly after the car has been salvaged from a flood. So try to see if the carpet, seats and stereo components looks too new for the car.
Also try to check if the car has been titled several times from different states, which is usually a hint that its owners are trying to erase the questionable and negative history of the car by looking for spots where disclosing defects is not required or is easily evaded. Cars that are titled several times are usually salvaged or totaled.
Test drive
Of course the best way to check the performance of a car is to take it for a test drive. Check the electrical system including all the lights and the sound system.
Ask an expert
Have an expert mechanic or technician check the car. Have a second opinion if you may. Expert mechanics and car technician can detect flood damaged cars easily than ordinary people.
Remember that in buying a vehicle, never ever take a chance. Buying a damaged vehicle can cost you more than your money. It could also bring serious accident even death. If you suspect that someone is selling you a car that has been flood damaged immediately say no then walk away. The dough you will save in buying a flood damaged car will quickly go away by the headache it will bring.