May 21 2009
Avoid Dealer Fraud: Inspect the Car Carefully
Thoroughly test drive the car you intend to buy and have it checked out by your own mechanic. Very often defective cars are sold at dealerships or public auction where car buyers forgot that the sale car has not been test driven.
Remember that if the car was in previous accident damage it seriously depreciates its value and safety. Look for a kitchen magnet that will not stick to a fender (may indicate bondo), a plastic filler used in body repair. Always do a visual inspection of the car. Check for paint overspray in the door jambs, strange weld marks under the carpeting in the trunk, door and windows that are not air tight, wrinkles or color fading, unevenly worn tires, steering wheel drift or uneven gaps in the body seams. Even some new cars have been sold damaged.
