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7 Red Flags for Used Car Buyers – What to Watch Out For

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What to Watch for When Buying a Used Car

In the market for buying a used car? While buying used can be a smart financial decision, it can also be a waste of your money if you are not careful. Thankfully, with today’s technology, buying used doesn’t have to be the gamble it used to be. Today’s buyer has access to so much information, it can make the experience of buying a used car far less stressful. However, once you’ve done your online research, there are still some red flags you should watch for once you begin searching the car lots.

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Recalls

Recalls on vehicles are issued by the car’s automaker when something is wrong with the car. Since many recalls are issued because of defects that could compromise the car’s safety, you should always check to see if there have been recalls on the car you are considering. To find out if a car has outstanding recalls, enter its VIN at safercar.gov. From there you will be able to find out what, if any, recalls the car may have been subject to. 

Something else to consider: since fixing recalls is done at the automaker’s expense, it’s possible that a previous owner that hasn’t had a recall on the car taken care of may have neglected other maintenance issues. Additionally, always ask the seller for proof that any recalls were taken care of.

Missing or Bad Title

Beware of fake, improper or missing titles. Since the title is an official document issued by the state the car is owned in, it should have a state seal and other anti-counterfeit measures on it. Make sure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on it matches the VIN on the car, and that the name on the title matches the name on the seller. If there is no title, stay away.

Amazingly Low Price

It’s wonderful when you get an amazing deal, but the odds of a high-quality used car having a wonderfully low price is a big red flag. More often than not, a super low price indicates that the seller wants to get rid of the car quickly indicating something is wrong with the vehicle. When researching, compare prices, and if the car you look at is way lower than other similar models, it’s most likely not a good deal.

Warning Lights 

When you find a car you like and you decide to take it for a test drive, check that no warning lights on showing on the dash. If the car is running and it sounds good, it’s easy to overlook a light on the dashboard. And while it’s true that some indicators can be triggered by a loose gas cap or bad sensor, it’s always best to make sure there is not a larger problem. If you really like the car, take it to an independent, trusted mechanic for a full inspection before you make a decision.

Excessive Rust

While some rust is to be expected on a used car, keep an eye out for excessive rust with bits of metal flaking off. While almost anything on a car can be fixed or replaced, fixing rusted out body panels is expensive and time-consuming. And if you see rust on the frame, that means that the frame – the very thing the entire car is built upon – is rotting away. That’s your cue to walk away.

Musty, Moldy or Mildwe-y Smells 

If the car you are looking at has a musty, moldy or mildew-y smelling interior, it is most often a sign of possible flood damage. When a car suffers flood damage, most insurance companies consider it a total loss because the water will damage almost everything, from mechanical to electrical to the upholstery. And trying to fix a flood-damaged car will cost any money you may have saved when you bought the car. The same smells can also indicate a leak in the roof, doors or windows. Again, it’s best to walk away.

New or Mismatched Paint

Another big red flag for used car buyers is new or mismatched paint. Take a very close look at any used car with fresh paint or paint that isn’t quite the same on all the body panels of the car. Often times that new or mismatched paint is an indicator that repairs have been made and that could mean that the car was in accident. Of course some accident damage can be repaired, but other damage can make owning that car a headache and possible safety-issue. Besides, any seller that’s trying to camouflage accident damage is not someone who you want to deal with.  

While you should always ask the seller if the car has been in any accidents, and take the time to order a vehicle history report for that car either online or through a private service, sometimes people fix wrecked cars without reporting the accidents to their insurance. That’s why you need to do a close inspection and keep an eye out for new or mismatched paint and/or large patches of bondo. 

Final Thoughts on Red Flags for Used Car Buyers

One of the best ways to avoid being taken for a ride is to do your used car buying at a reputable dealership. Today the majority of dealerships offer a selection of certified pre-owned cars as well as extended warranties. Certified Pre-owned Vehicles are cars that have been inspected, refurbished, and certified by a manufacturer or other certifying authority. Many also typically include an extended warranty, special financing, and additional benefits. If you live in or around Springfield, PA, you should check out the huge selection of used cars including many certified pre-owned vehicles at Reedman Toll Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM of Springfield

 

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