May 2, 2021

Learn Where And How To Avoid Scams When Buying A Used Car

When planning to buy a car, a used model is the most affordable option. Brand new cars cost a fortune. Yet the car is likely to lose value by 10 percent on driving off the dealership and about 20 percent in the first year. A used car saves money on registration, insurance, and taxes. There are several places from where to buy a used car. However, you have to be aware of scams that might make you lose your hard-earned money. Read on to discover where to buy a used car and how to avoid scams.

Where to buy a used car

New car dealerships

You can buy a used car from a dealership selling a single car brand. These are franchisees dealing in cars from particular brands. Although they usually sell new cars, they have pre-owned as well. After making up your mind to buy a particular brand, you have to visit a local dealership near you.

You are likely to invest more in a used car when you buy it from a new car dealership. However, you have various options and the cars usually come with a “certified pre-owned” vehicle warranty from the manufacturer. This offers peace of mind about your purchase.

Independent used car dealerships

Some people invest in selling cars from various brands. This is the most common option when looking forward to buying a used car. You have the choice to pick from a range of car brands. The best thing is the chance to check the vehicles personally. This allows checking everything out such as tires before you make the purchase.

Online used car dealerships

Online is the best choice when looking for cheap used cars in Ottawa. You just have to find a reputable dealer and you’re good to go. Online car websites have various car brands and models with prices and details about their condition.

The best thing about buying a used car online is the chance to select from a variety of options. Additionally, you have enough time to make a price comparison for the car that catches your fancy. So, you are sure that you are getting a good bargain before you make a purchase. You can as well reserve a car online and get a trade-in appraisal.

Used car superstores

These are just like independent car dealerships selling cars from various brands but much bigger. In fact, some have a chain of stores countrywide. Buying a used car from a superstore has the advantage of ordering from various locations. In case the nearest store near you doesn’t have the particular car you need, you can order from the store’s other branches. Doing this ensures that you get the car of your dreams.

Facebook and Craigslist

The internet has various market places where people post used cars for sale. Facebook and Craigslist are good ideas. All it takes is joining some groups with buyers and sellers. There’s a chance that someone will post a car they no longer need. You have to be very careful when dealing with sellers in these marketplaces. This is because there are no regulations and buyer protection. There are chances that some sellers don’t actually have the items they list for sale.

Rental car fleet sales

Car rental companies reach a time when they have to retire their old cars. So, they hold auctions to dispose of them. You can look out for such opportunities to buy a used car at a discounted price. Keep in mind that the car has likely gone through various hands and might require some repairs. You just have to do your math to be sure that the savings are not eaten up by repair costs to put the car on the road.

Public auctions

Government agencies and corporations sometimes hold public auctions to dispose of old cars. This is a great opportunity when looking forward to getting a used car. The good thing about public auctions is having peace of mind about the state of the car. You get to know the details about the vehicle before the auction. This gives you enough time to make up your mind.

Third-party car sellers

Finally, you can also buy a used car from third-party dealers online. All it takes is doing a simple Google search for car dealers near you. Buying a car from online third-party platforms gives peace of mind since the companies have quality control. Sellers pay a small fee to list their cars including adding all relevant details such as vehicle history report.

How to avoid scams when buying a used car

Buying a used car comes with significant savings. However, you have to be careful not to fall in the arms of scammers. Some car dealers pose as private sellers by posting ads on classified sites. This usually ends in selling cars with hidden problems. Some scammers create fake websites and use them as an escrow. Afterward, the scammers list cars at ridiculously low prices. You are likely to lose your money after sending it to “escrow”. The sellers vanish after receiving the money.

Other scammers salvage car titles with a lower value and send the vehicle to a different state where the salvage brand is unrecognizable. Some shady dealers tamper with the odometer and reprogram it to show a lower mileage. Other scammers offer fake “certified used cars” to show that they are from franchised dealers.

Quick tips to avoid used car scammers