Be sure the report includes the car’s make, model, and VIN. If a dealer won’t allow an independent inspection, consider going to another dealer.Īsk the mechanic for a written report with a cost estimate for all necessary repairs. If that’s not an option, ask the dealer to bring the car for inspection at a facility you choose. If the dealer won’t let you take the car off the lot, maybe because of insurance restrictions, you may be able to find a mobile inspection service that will go to the dealer. Safety inspections usually only focus on things that make a car unsafe to drive. You’ll have to pay the inspection fee, but it can help you avoid paying for a car with major problems.Ī mechanical inspection is different from a safety inspection. A mechanical inspection is a good idea even if the car has been “certified” and inspected by the dealer, and is being sold with a warranty or service contract.
That’s why it’s always a good idea to pay for an independent mechanic to conduct a mechanical inspection of a used car. A vehicle history report may list accidents and flood damage, but typically it will not list mechanical problems. Get an Independent Inspection Before You BuyĪ vehicle history report is not a substitute for an independent vehicle inspection. If you want an add-on from the dealer, be sure that you ask how much you’re paying for each add-on and what you’ll get, and get answers in writing. You can usually buy the vehicle you want without any add-ons, and you can buy most add-ons from independent retailers. Other times, dealers may try to include these and other add-ons in your deal without ever discussing them with you, and without your knowledge or approval. Often, add-ons can cost thousands of dollars and are mentioned only at the end of an already difficult and time-consuming day at the dealership. Be Aware of Add-onsĪdd-ons are optional products and services offered by the dealer, like gap insurance, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching, and rustproofing. to remember: spoken promises are difficult to enforceĭealers in Maine and Wisconsin display their own version of the Buyers Guide.the dealer’s contact information, including the contact for complaints.to ask for a Spanish Buyers Guide if the sale is conducted in Spanish.
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to get a vehicle history report and to visit ftc.gov/usedcars for information on how to get a report, how to check for safety recalls, and other topics.to ask to have the car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy.what percentage of the repair costs a dealer will pay under the warranty.whether the car is being sold “as is” or with a warranty.the major mechanical and electrical systems on the car, including some of the major problems to look out for.Dealers don’t have to display a Buyers Guide on motorcycles and most recreational vehicles. Program cars are low-mileage, current-model-year vehicles returned from short-term leases or rentals. Demonstrators are new cars that haven’t been owned, leased, or used as rentals, but have been driven by dealer staff. This includes light-duty vans and trucks, demonstrators, and program cars.
They also have to give it to buyers after the sale. Also check out a dealer’s reputation by searching online for the company’s name with words like “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” Dealer Sales and the Buyers Guideĭealers have to display a Buyers Guide in every used car they offer for sale. Contact your state and local consumer protection agencies to find out if any unresolved complaints are on file about a particular dealer. Then, find out about the dealer before you visit. spot add-ons and other charges that the dealer may try to introduce at the last minute.confirm that the vehicle is actually on the lot.confirm that advertised prices, discounts, rebates, etc.Once you have a car (or cars) in mind, ask for the out-the-door prices in writing from dealers before you visit. Research models, options, repair records, safety tests, and mileage. Don’t forget other costs like registration, insurance, gas, and maintenance. Consider the kind of car you need, how you’ll use it, and your budget. Get an Independent Inspection Before You Buyīefore you start shopping for a used car from an auto dealer in person or online, do some homework.Identity Theft and Online Security Show/hide Identity Theft and Online Security menu items.Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts Show/hide Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts menu items.Money-Making Opportunities and Investments.Jobs and Making Money Show/hide Jobs and Making Money menu items.Credit, Loans, and Debt Show/hide Credit, Loans, and Debt menu items.Shopping and Donating Show/hide Shopping and Donating menu items.
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