7 Things To Know Before Buying A Car
1. What is the repair history of this vehicle?
Knowing what has been done is another way to deduce what outstanding repairs loom in the near future, as well as what "off-road" adventures the vehicle might have had before being restored to that like new status.
New cars don't have any miles and therefore don't have a mysterious "past" to worry about, however, new cars can have manufacturer flaws that are only addressed as needed. It's important to research a new car's reputations for pre-existing defects or flaws. I also like to know what it costs to replace tires for a new car. That is the one wear item on the vehicle that varies between makes, models and location. Knowing what to expect when your tires need to be replaced is a great way to decided if you're making the best decision.
2. Where is the buyer's guide?
Thankfully, in the United States, at least the law and government is on the side of the buyer. All professionally sold cars are required to have a buyer's guide posted in the car window. This ensures the new owner is aware of any pre-existing or manufacturer's supplied warranty. If so, you are supposed to know what all this entails, the standard does not include wear items like windshield wipers and brake pads.
For a less than new car you can know if the car is being sold "as is" wherein you would be responsible for all necessary repairs from the time of purchase. This clause may eat into your buying budget and may also affect the savings you might enjoy purchasing a less than new car.
3. What is your return policy?
While the question is pretty self-explanatory, it's good to know where your purchase fits in the gray areas between local, state, and federal law and what the seller is offering (their contracts are legally binding, too).
Whatever the seller tells you, get it in writing and read over the document you receive. It's a trick if you receive a lengthy document in tiny print written in legalese (a lot of legal terms that seem to overlap and contradict because it is layered in contingencies).
4. Will you put that in writing?
Previously stated, but it bears repeating. With no malice intended, the seller can be very eager to sell, and the buyer can be over eager to buy.
These to mindsets don't mix well in the best of circumstances. One is liable to say most anything, and the other almost prefers to be lied to so as not to cool on a hot ticket item.
Cool heads eventually prevail. Avoid those salty morning after feelings by doing your research and getting documentation on your purchase before you buy. Likewise, an honest seller, should be equally informed about what they are selling and what documentation they need to provide. No RIW (request in writing) should be considered offensive or unexpected. Be alerted if the seller is injured over a legitimate request and tries to distract you.
This goes for new cars, too. Sitting at the table comes with considerable foreplay, that's why they let you test drive first.
Don't settle for words, all that paper work is lying around for a reason, ask to read it and ask for an explanation.
5. Proof Matters, Can the odometer reading be justified?
I spend more time trying to sell VIN Check subscriptions to sellers rather than buyers for one reason. Not knowing what you are selling won't let you off the hook if a deal goes sideways. There is a buyer for every honest seller.
There is no reason to lie about a car's history or actual condition. Not just because the truth will come out, and you may get into trouble. But because a salvage title is not always a deterrent. In most cases, it just affects the price. I have seen it with my own eyes.
Show the buyer everything, be knowledgeable and prepared. If they want it, they will buy it, it is that simple.
6. May I see the title?
When things get real, they get real quick. VIN scrubbing is a thing, so you should know what a full report looks like, and you should expect the seller to provide one. Not only for mechanical reliability, but also for legal obligations too. Tickets, theft, used in a crime, it can get truly messy, and you will be the odd man out.
Government auctions are a great way to acquire "clean" vehicles for a reasonable price, but you will have to fuss over the condition.
7. After all is revealed, is it still less expensive to go the used or preowned route?
Don't let bad credit decide for you. Taking a deal because you are desperate for a car won't save you. You will be lucky if you don't start having problems with the car before you get home. I have seen this happen, too.
If your reasoning for purchasing a used or preowned car is not valid at the time of purchase, walk away.
Expecting you will need to do some work on your new purchase either for safe use or resell is part of the game. Don't be naive about how arbitrage works, that's probably why the car you like is on the market anyway.
Comments
Post a Comment