Jul 21 2008
8 Steps to Protect Yourself from Used Car Fraud
Buying a used car today in Southern California can be a confusing and complicated process. And if you don’t do your homework before you buy the car, you might end up with a car you don’t want–a car you can’t afford–or a car that doesn’t work right.
Before you buy a used car, protect yourself by taking these key steps:
Step #1: Inspection. Have the car inspected by a mechanic you trust who does not work for the car’s seller. If the seller refuses to allow you to have the car inspected, don’t buy it.
Step #2: Warranty. Get a written warranty for the car you buy, if possible.
Step #3: Writing. If the seller tells you the car is in good mechanical condition, make sure the seller puts those statements in writing. If the seller’s representations are only verbal, you may have a hard time proving that you were misled about the car’s condition.
Step #4: Length of Contract. If you intend to finance the car, don’t sign a contract to pay for a car that won’t be around for the time it takes you to pay it off. Remember, if you agree to pay for the car over a period of five years, but the car lasts for only three years, you still have to pay the balance of the loan, even if the car no longer runs.
Step #5: Financing. Shop around for financing before you buy the car. Many car dealers have relationships with finance companies they want you to use. However, if you can get a better deal elsewhere — such as at a credit union or bank — you’re wise to do so. Don’t forget, if your credit is bad, the interest rate you will be asked to pay may be very high.
Step #6: Changing the Terms. If you sign a contract to buy a used car and the seller later tells you that you have to pay more for the vehicle than agreed, you don’t have to do it. You have the right to demand your money back or insist on the terms you agreed to.
Step #7: Monthly Payments. Don’t base your purchase on the amount of money you can afford to pay each month for the car. First, negotiate a fair price for the car and talk about the financing later. Remember, if you can afford the car you want only by financing over too long a period of time, you may be making a bad deal.
Step #8: Manufacturer’s Warranty. Even if you bought a used vehicle, you still have rights in California. If the vehicle is fairly new, its original manufacturer’s warranty may still apply and will allow you to bring a lemon law claim. If the vehicle came with a dealer’s warranty, you can also bring a claim that the warranty has been violated. If the vehicle came with no warranty — that is, if it was sold “as is” — or with a service contract, you may still be able to bring a claim for used car fraud.
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