Ten Ways to Protect Yourself from Used-Car Sales Tactics, Part 3

Here's part 3 of a piece from MSN where the auto experts at Consumer Reports help you handle the buying process and get the best deal:

8. Check the vehicle's history. Instead of taking the salesperson's word about the history and condition of the vehicle, get a vehicle-history report from CarFax or Experian Automotive. They can alert you to possible odometer fraud; reveal past flood, fire, and accident damage; or tell you if a rebuilt or salvage title was ever issued for the vehicle.

9. Visit a mechanic. After you make an offer, but before you sign a contract of sale, take the vehicle to a qualified mechanic that routinely does automotive diagnostic work. Don't let the dealer tell you they've inspected the car for you. Deduct any needed repairs that the mechanic finds from your offer.

10. Come with your financing secured. Go to a bank or credit union and be approved for a loan before you go to the dealership. The dealer may even try to beat their rate, which works to your advantage.

My thoughts:

1. Do both #8 and #9 -- don't settle for just one of them and think you're covered. Otherwise, you may miss an important defect in the car.

2. I'll do one better than #10 -- pay cash. Doing so not only keeps you from incurring more debt but also is a great negotiating tool.

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Comments

[ceholmes]

Another thing to watch out for is a last minute switch. If you are in a hurry, the salesman may say your car isn't ready, but another one just like it is ready.

Be sure to allow a lot of time for the pickup of the car and be sure to ask for a CarFax on the substitute car, before you accept it.