Most cars should have an average of 15,000-20,000 km a year. If it's much lower than that, check the vehicle's history, check that the numbers line up correctly and that there aren't any scratches or fingerprints under the glass. Also, check the condition of the interior, and specifically all the parts that come in contact with people. Are the seats really worn? Does the steering wheel show too much use? How about the rubber pedal covers? Look under the hood for any tags or stickers that indicate when major services were done.
2. Finance Scams
One of the biggest threats to those with poor credit relates to getting financing approved through the manufacturer. Once terms are agreed to, the salesperson encourages the buyer to take the car home, saying that the dealer will take care of the financing. A few days later, they call back, saying that the initial deal fell through (even though it was never processed in the first place) and that the buyer needs to come back to sign a new - and much more expensive - financing deal. Avoid this by getting your own financing approved and organized before you go car shopping. If the dealership does have the best offer, never take the car home immediately. Wait a day or two to give the paperwork a chance to process properly, which also gives ample time for any possible problems to arise.
3. Window Etching
If a used-car dealer offers to have the car's serial numbers etched into the window glass, don't bother. You can do this yourself with a very inexpensive kit found at most auto parts stores.
4. Mystery Charges
Read the final charges outlined on the purchase agreement before you sign anything. If there is a large administrative charge that the salesperson can't explain easily, have them remove it or credit the fee back to you farther down the page. Numerous dealerships have what's termed a "cottage fee" - a $200 charge, allegedly for the paperwork and prep done before you pick up the vehicle, that in reality is just pure profit from a greedy dealer. Some provinces require that those associated costs are rolled into the sticker price of the vehicle, including if the vehicle required a safety inspection or emissions test.
5. Extended Warranties
If you are tempted to purchase some protection, understand that there is no warranty - from the manufacturer or not - that comes anywhere close to the original coverage given when the car was new. Second, read the fine print to see exactly what will and will not be covered under warranty, and whether the warranties restricts where you have any service done. Third, if you do buy a warranty, make sure to keep all your service receipts, and stick to the manufacturer's service schedule - if you don't, that gives the warranty company an opportunity to deny any future claims. Finally, do not fall for the line that an extended warranty is required because the original manufacturer warranty runs out before your finance contract expires.
6. Vehicle Inspections
Always have it inspected by a third party. If a dealership doesn't have anything to hide, they won't protest you taking it to your mechanic for a quick check-up. Stories of one car really being the front and rear of two different cars welded together are true. Check the vehicle identification numbers anywhere you can find them: on the dash, owner's manual, the front of the engine block, the car's frame, underneath the spare tire, and in the driver's door jam. If one doesn't match, run far, far away! See any vehicle you're interested in during daylight, when problems are easier to spot.
Found on MSN Auto's
No comments:
Post a Comment