Feb
16
2009
The car fabric protection car dealer scam is, in fact, very simple and easy to avoid. Car dealers make great profits by selling their consumers many fees and “options“. Most of these things can be bought on an aftermarket basis and some of them are a total scam.
The car fabric protection car dealer scam happens when the car dealer charge you for hundreds of dollars for stain protection for your seats and carpet. Actually you can’t be really sure the fabric protection was done as it is invisible. Even if the fabric protection is done you need to know that all the car dealer did was to spray the fabric with a couple cans of Scotch Guard. You can buy Scotch Guard at most stores for only a couple dollars per can.
Remember, that the car fabric protection car dealer scam is one of the car dealer scams you may be confronted with when buying a new car.
Feb
13
2009
Car dealer scams happen more than you think it does. However, you can avoid them by being more careful and being more aware of the most common dealer tricks and secrets.
Keep in mind that dealers pretend that they are acting in your best interest, but, in fact, all they are concerned is making as much profit from the transaction as possible. They will try to add extra items and other product that you don’t need. Sometimes dealers will scam you into paying more than necessary. For example your car dealer may offer you a windshield etching to protect your car from theft. You can get this for only $25, but the dealer will charge you a lot more.
Do not get into the trick of affordable payment. This is another way to confuse you, does not matter how much the car’s cost is and how many fees they add, so long as you can make a certain monthly payment. The dealer will add certain fees to so called dealer prep cost. Do not sign any document if you haven’t negotiated the price and reviewed the paperwork. Scams like these happen almost every day.
The extended warranty is not mandatory and you need to decide if you need it or not. Also, make sure to be careful about the APR trick. This happens when the dealer calls you the next day and says that you were not approved. However, the dealer offers you another lender that will approve you. What the dealer does not tell you is that your interest rate has gone up. It would be better if you get financing before looking for a car.
Feb
11
2009
More and more used car consumers today end up buying total lemons or becoming victims of different dealer fraud. However, it is very easy to avoid buying a lemon if you follow several simple steps and do several things before purchasing a used car.
The first and the most important thing to do is research. Get some information about the average selling price of the vehicle you intend to buy. Remember that the price of the vehicle is affected by its mileage and condition. Check if the car has any prior accident history. Ask the dealer if the car has been in an accident or if it’s reconstructed.
The next important thing to consider is the financing. The most common method of buying a used vehicle is by taking out a car loan. When taking out a car loan consider how much interest you will pay. The higher the APR (Annual Percentage Rate) the more you will pay in interest. Remember that most loan firms will try to get the highest rate for their products, so shop around for your car finance while shopping for a car. Bear in mind that the longer your loan term is the more you will be paying in interest.
If you are buying from a reputable dealer you will be provided with warranties and guarantees. If you have problems with the vehicle after the purchase you are able to return the vehicle and get money refund. Remember, that if you buy a car from a private individual you don’t have these protections. In any case make sure to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic.
Feb
11
2009
Often in the dealer ads we come across “Program Cars“, which are usually descibed as “Smart Cars,” or “Factory Official Cars” or “Factory Demo’s.” These vehicles are one or two year old vehicles with 30,000 miles or less on the odometer. However, approximately 70% of “Program Cars” are rental cars, almost 25% are lease returns, a small percentage of “Program Cars” are cars actually driven by factory officials, and a few of them are “Buy Backs” or “Lemons”. In fact, car dealers sell lemon buybacks to their consumers.
Of course you can get a good deal on a “Program Car,” but make sure you check the vehicle history before the purchase. Remember, that Program Cars, as other previously owned vehicles, may have numerous hiden problems and some of thm will need expensive mechanical repairs. Some of these vehicle may have been damaged or declared a total loss in a wreck, or damaged in a storm or by floods.