Buying a car is an exciting time for most people. Their car is an investment in their future. It helps them become more independent. That’s why doing your homework before buying a new car is super important. You don’t want to end up with a lemon of a car.
Purchasing a new car can become risky or even a hassle if you don’t know what to look for and what to avoid. There are numerous scams in the industry, where car dealers employ shady financing tactics or sell cars with tampered odometers, often to make a profit or dispose of a vehicle.
Although these scams are so common, many first-time buyers still fall for them because they lack proper knowledge about how the car industry operates.
Research Before Going to a Dealership
You can learn a lot about a car from a quick Google search. Every car has its pros and cons. It all depends on what you’re looking for in a vehicle. Some people prefer comfort and fuel efficiency, while others want to zip around the highway at high speeds.
Thorough car research isn’t about mechanical knowledge, but rather about clearly defining your desires, identifying negotiable features, and establishing non-negotiable essentials.
You might be wondering how to get started with the ‘research.’ Google!
Search for the features you prefer and shortlist a few cars before visiting dealerships. You should also check the average prices of those cars on platforms like Auto Tempest.
Always Buy From Top-Rated Dealerships
Let’s be real, there are too many fake car dealers nowadays. Some don’t even own the cars they’re “selling.” Others list vehicles that don’t exist at all. Pretty wild, right? That’s why it’s so important to know exactly who you’re buying from.
If you already have a trusted source, great. But what if you don’t? Does that mean you can’t buy a car? Of course not. It just means you need to be a little more careful.
Here’s the golden rule: if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always stick to verified dealers or registered car importers. Don’t hesitate to ask for proof. You’re spending a lot of money, so it’s your right to double-check everything.
Always ask the dealer for all the important documents:
- Proof of ownership
- National ID
- Vehicle registration papers
- Insurance papers
Once you have the documents, cross-check all the names and numbers in every document. If possible, consider bringing a vehicle expert.
Inspect the Car in Person
Inspecting the car is crucial. You need to know what you are getting, especially if it is second-hand. Dealerships have many cars, and even though they inspect every car before listing it for sale, it’s still a good idea to inspect it yourself before spending your money.
You cannot just purchase a car because it has the bare minimum functionalities you need to be practical. You need to ensure that the car you are about to purchase is a good investment. If you cannot afford a car inspector make sure you check for:
- Body panels for mismatched paint
- Uneven gaps
- Signs of repainting
These could be signs that the vehicle has been in an accident before. Also, be sure to visit the dealership during daylight hours. This will allow you to inspect everything in natural light, making it easier to identify problems.
You also need to check under the hood! Now, what are some things that you can check for under the hood:
- Inspect the engine
- Suspension
- Undercarriage for rust
- Oil leaks
- Corrosion
Recent studies indicate that approximately 1 in 4 cars have a damage history, and about 25% of dealerships in the US sell cars with a collision history.
Verify the Vehicle’s Maintenance and Service Records
Some dealership owners tamper with the cars’ odometers to increase the resale value of a car. Be aware of this scam before purchasing a vehicle. Now, how can you avoid this scam? You need to request the vehicle’s service records.
These service records contain detailed information about when, how, and how often the vehicle has been serviced. Once you get the service records, try to verify them by visiting the workshop and matching all the entries with the workshop owners. Many workshop owners use automotive repair shop management software. This software contains detailed information about every vehicle the workshop operates on.
You can easily ask the workshop owner to share all the vehicle records with you. Since these are digital records, they are harder to tamper with and can confirm whether the vehicle’s maintenance history shared with you is accurate or not.
Conclusion
After reading this blog, you will get a clear idea of all the things you should do before purchasing a vehicle. Ensuring you get the right vehicle for your money, and that no dealership owner can scam you. Be aware of the scams!
