Archive for the ‘used car buyers guide’ tag
Used Car Buying Guide – Avoid Getting Scammed
Straight up and honest dealing is not something car dealers are generally known for. Fair assumption or not, nobody wants to be turned over. They’ll try any stunt they think will help sell you a car. Here are a couple of tricks that they get up to which you need to avoid.
BAIT AND SWITCH – As old as the hills but still going strong.
- You are checking out the car section of your local paper and see a great car for an amazingly low figure. You get really excited by the thought of a great deal so you charge down to the dealership. What a surprise, the car has already been sold. But there are other cars available right now with great packages for just a little more. You don’t want to seem rude so you decide to hear what they have to say. They will delay talking figures until they know you really want the car.
It is all about getting you through the door. Once you are inside the dealership there is no stopping them. You are on their patch, playing by their rules.
LESSON
- Do your research on the manufacturers websites and get to know about all the different options available on the model you are interested in.
- Having a friend with you can help if the dealer tries to put pressure on you.
- Do’nt sign up to anything until you have read the paperwork completely.
POOR CREDIT RATING
- The Finance Manager comes out and tells you that your credit rating is lower than it really is. In order to secure the loan the rate of interest will have to be higher as there is perceived greater risk. Making money doesn’t get easier than that!
LESSON
- Check your credit rating prior to visiting the dealership. Take some proof to show them if they try it on. The figure you are given regarding your credit rating is the same regardless of the identity of the searcher. To find out your credit rating visit Experian or Equifax, both of whom can give you a credit report. If you start to feel uncomfortable leave and take your business elsewhere.
You’ll probably find this info. shocking. Let me tell you, there is plenty more that they get up to. These dealers are the slickest salesman out there.
If you are not careful these dealers will chew you up and spit you out. Get the full inside story from an ex-salesman who was sick of the hustle. Get all the information you need on all the stunts they try to get you buying the car. This stuff is dynamite.
If you want to a buying guide for used cars or any other type of vehicle, check out all the scams here now!
California Used Car Lemon Laws
If you have decided to buy a used car in California give yourself some peace of mind and study the lemon law. You are covered by the Californian lemon law if the car comes with an express, written warranty. This is basically the seller or manufacturer’s written promise to repair or replace defective parts for a stated period of time.
In theory if you buy a used car in California you are legally entitled to have the defects repaired or a replacement given as long as you have the aforesaid warranty. However you could still be charged for use prior to the defect arising. This charge is not easy to calculate as there is no set formula as there is with new vehicles.
Look at the checklist to give yourself the best chance of buying a used car that you will be pleased with.
- Make sure the car is what the dealer says it is – have a check done to confirm the car’s history!
- Make sure the vehicle has a valid warranty.
- Check the warranty that is being offered with your used car carefully as warranties are not standard.
- An certified, independent mechanic can check the car for you. He will firstly find faults for you and you will also have a report to back up any claims you might make later.
- Give yourself the chance to find any faults by taking the car for a drive. Make sure you take enough time to let the car warm up as there are plenty of ways to hide faults for a short period.
- DO NOT BUY THE CAR under duress. There are plenty more from which to choose.
In the event of a disagreement always seek legal advice.
No one wants to buy a lemon yet the majority of us have done at some stage, be it a car or something else. There is a skill to buying cars used. To avoid any trouble and to get the best car for the best price you need to research thoroughly and be prepared to negotiate. If you want to strengthen your negotiating position you need to know what the used car dealer is up to. Get your used car buyers guide and beat the dealer at his own game. Avoid unnecessary stress and save yourself money.