Added on July 3, 2019  The News Wheel  buying a car , Buying a used car , Lemon Law , personal safety , selling a car , used car shopping

5 Reasons to Check Out the Seller Before Buying a Car

Buying a car is a big purchase for anyone. To avoid being ripped off or sold a lemon, it’s important to be able to trust the seller when buying a car.

First, you need to analyze your budget and calculate how much debt you can pay off on time. Then:

• Check your credit score so you know where you stand. Being prepared is key to understanding the type of loan you can qualify for.
• Check both new and used cars advertisements. Even new car dealerships offer deals on second-hand sites like Craigslist and Backpage.
• Shop around for the best prices. Go search another city, you might be surprised.
• Always test drive! 
• Compare your results. Take your time and don’t jump into a deal you’re being pushed into.

A car dealership is a very reliable source from which to buy a car if you want to avoid the headache of a bogus source which can be dangerous. Often this option comes at a price premium. Because of this, many people turn to second-hand websites to find the best deal.

Why check background before buying a vehicle?

Before dealing with someone and handing them thousands of dollars, checking their record is very important.  It can be a lifesaver to avoid problems in the future. You don’t want to get mixed up in buying a stolen car.

Even the dealer can be a fraud

While the chances are usually low, a car dealer could dabble in fraud or be known as a “curber.” A curber is a person who works without a license and his only goal is to rob the buyer. These fraudulent people can make up fake stories with the sole purpose of tricking you.

The biggest red flag is trying to convince you to pay the bill in cash to avoid any official taxes or to convince you it is a loophole. Understanding when a person is trying to defraud you is essential, but it is not that easy to identify when a deal feels too good to pass up.

Stolen cars

A crafty mechanic can turn cars into the new condition they once were and convince you you’re buying the car without any problems. They can also put a fake vehicle identification number. A tip to be cautious would be to see the car priced much lower than the other market prices. These are the tactics of scamming and their only goal is to earn money ASAP.

Criminal records

When buying a car form someone on a secondhand site, it’s best to check the seller’s background. Thieves are very smart and manipulative, managing to convince the buyers with their sugar-coated stories and emotional words. Always ask for a picture of them holding a government issued ID next to their face. Verify this ID in person. You can take this ID and cross reference it at the companies reviewed here. 

Advertising frauds

Beware of bait-and-switch tactics. Many times, someone trying to get the best of you will advertise one thing, but will say that car is not available when you arrive and try to stick you with something else at a better price. 

Never try to buy vehicles without checking a person’s record or a dealership’s rating. Making sure you can trust the seller will help you avoid major headaches. Best of luck in your search!

This is a collaborative article.