These new-age scammers. They prey on unsuspecting folks who are trying to sell used cars (or other items) through Internet classified ads or an “autotrader” web site.
Even though this scam has been around for a few years and has been publicized in many news stories, there are still people who haven’t heard about it — and are at-risk to be victimized by it.
Americans like to buy a car at the dealership in one afternoon, and the dealerships try very hard to make you think that is possible and even smart. But it’s not. Realize how big a purchase a car is. And it is complicated.
Buying a car is the second-largest purchase most people make after buying a home. When you buy a home, think about all the help you have: you have a broker to help you find the best home for you, and a mortgage broker to help you find the best financing. And an inspector to make sure the house is safe. Sometimes you also have an attorney to make sure the contract is fair, and a title company makes sure the title is clear before you pay for the home. But when you buy a car, there is not one person there to help you. And the dealers want you to THINK you can waltz in to the dealership and buy a car from start to finish in an afternoon… and sure, you can, but you will pay much much more if you do it that way. Here are four tips to give you an advantage:
Posted in Vehicles | Also tagged Avtorentacar Car, bank, buying, credit union, dealership, finance, loan, negotiate, price, salesman, trade in, used car |
1. “BE BACK” (BB). A person who leaves the car lot without purchasing a car but whom the salesperson believes will come back (be back) to the lot soon.
2. BURIED. A person who is in debt from a car that has little to no value.
Recent reports by automotive industry legal insiders say the top problem that gets car dealers into legal trouble is rolling negative equity into a new car loan or lease — without telling customers.
Rolling negative equity from an old auto loan into a new loan or lease is not illegal. But it is if the customer doesn’t know it’s happening and isn’t told. Unfortunately, many new and inexperienced car buyers don’t understand negative equity and don’t ask about it.
1. USE DAYLIGHT. Inspect the car in natural light as it provides the best light for you to catch any scratches and dents. Be leery if the seller insists you inspect the car in the evening or under florescent light.
2. RUST. Look for rust spots on the car…especially under the hood in the engine bay, under the car, and on the inside of the doors.
Posted in General | Also tagged automobile, avtorentacar auto, Avtorentacar Car, buy, dealer, fo, how, lemon, look, scams, shopping, to, tricks, vehicle & avtorentacar |
You hear them on the radio and TV everyday. Some have outrageous ads and sales gimmicks. “Push, pull or drag your trade in for $4000 minimum trade”, “Best price in the world!” “Best bumper to bumper warranty ever - we cover everything.” “Repo’d car sale today.” Bet you didn’t know that these ads can be and usually are very misleading and can be illegal.
According to Leslie Anderson, AAA, Misleading advertisements and deceptive marketing from car dealers has been on the rise in recent years. Car dealers, due to a struggling economy are resorting to grey market sales tactics and ads. Many of these ads are either borderline or even illegal in nature. With all the publicity in recent years of scams and illegal business activities by businesses from every state you would think most states would have toughened up their laws and started to crack down on bad car dealers. Only one state, New York, has really done anything.
There’s a reason why auto service stations have one of the largest numbers of complaints with state attorney generals in every state. Some uphold good business practices and ethics, but most, unfortunately are all about profit and don’t care if they have to lie and cheat to get it. To prove this all one has to do is go to several dealers with the same problem or question. You will get many different answers, price ranges and estimates all for the same problem(s) and almost all recommending unnecessary and unneeded services or repairs.
Just ask the dealer the question of routine maintenance and what is recommended at each service. If you open your owners manual it will tell you what is recommended for normal driving habits and some may give you recommendations for harch conditions. Regardless of your climate and weather most service advisors will tell you that the area of your country qualifies for harsh and extreme weather – they are trained to do this as it requires more services and makes them more money. Its not whether your car needs it – most people will qualify as normal conditions and require a lot less servicing per the National Highway Traffic Safety Association and AAA. The manufacturer made those owners manuals after millions of dollars were spent on design, research, and testing – I think I would listen to the manual.
A popular scam that has victimized thousands of used-car sellers is one in which the proposed buyer usually claims to be from Africa, or another country, and is eager to buy the advertised car, sight unseen, for the full asking price – no haggling. After some complicated email exchanges with the “buyer,” the victim ends up with a worthless cashiers check or money order, a depleted bank account, and is still stuck with the car.
It’s a scam that is easy to spot when you know what to look for.
Posted in General | Also tagged car buying, money |