**Full Disclosure: This is a sponsored post which also contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I get a teeny-tiny percentage at no cost to you. All opinions are my own.
When you’re in the market to purchase a vehicle, it is smart to consider buying a used car. Why? Well, basically because you can get a decent, reliable, safe used car for less money than a new car. At the same time, though, you also want to ensure that you don’t get ripped off when buying a used car. Here are some red flags that you should look out for.
Bad title – A car title is an important document because it proves ownership of a vehicle and that the owner has the legal rights to sell it. When buying a used vehicle, always ask to see the title. (NOTE: In most states, a vehicle title is not required if the vehicle is more than 20 years old). When inspecting the title, you want to check to make sure that the name on the title is the same as the seller’s name. Also, check to see that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the title matches the one on the vehicle.
New or mismatched paint – While a coat of fresh paint is a great idea for your kitchen walls, this is not always the case when it comes to a used vehicle. You certainly want all the colors on your vehicle to match , just as you would on your kitchen walls. If a used car has been newly painted or the paint colors don’t match, this could be an indication that some repairs have been made, possibly due to an accident.
No service records – When you are looking to buy a used car, it is important that you are aware of the vehicle’s maintenance history. Whether you are looking at a vehicle from a seller or at a dealership, always ask to see the vehicle’s service records. If they can’t provide you with the service records, you have no way of knowing whether or not the vehicle has been maintained properly.
Too many owners – The average length of vehicle ownership is roughly 9 years. So, if you come across a vehicle that is 6 years old and has already been through 8 owners, alarm bells should be going off. You can check the vehicle history with a report from CARFAX or Auto Check.
Unusually low price – While you want to get the best deal you possibly can on a used car, you also have to wonder when you see a price that just seems too low. Normally, when a used car is for sale at an absurdly low price, it likely means that the seller is in a hurry to get rid of it. You then have to wonder why they want to get rid of the vehicle so quickly.
Head over to Lustine Dodge Jeep to find a car that fits your needs!
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