Buying Tips
1. Do Some Research
You know how much you want to spend on a vehicle, but do you know how realistic that "deal" really is? Find out what your car is really worth using " Kelleybluebook.com Used Car Values. Or " search through our website and see what sellers are asking for similar vehicles.
2. The Test Drive
If you try to buy a used car online you'll still need to see the vehicle. You should meet in an agreed upon public area and try to take someone with you. Safety is in numbers. Ask the seller about any serious problems or repairs. Ask them to show you their maintenance records. Bring a valid driver's license and proof of insurance.
3. Closing The Sale
Make sure the seller writes a receipt for both of you with signatures on both copies. The seller will likely include a statement that the car is being bought "as is" so make sure you are comfortable with this. Ask to have all the pertinent information on the receipt so the terms of the deal cannot be misinterpreted. Keep the receipt for your records. Be prepared to supply cash a certified check or money order and then ask the seller to sign the title over to you. Check with your local DMV to ensure you've complied with all the laws.
Avoiding Scams
Car, truck, boat and motorcycle buyers & sellers, particularly those in the market for used vehicles, have flocked to the Internet in recent years to search for killer deals on "pre-owned" wheels.
While consumers and ethical auto dealers have benefited greatly from the Internet, so too have crooked buyers & sellers. As such, you need to be aware of potential scams. Here are some of the most common ones directed toward buyers & sellers online:
Certified Check Scams - This scam is often perpetrated on sellers of used cars over the Internet thorough classified ads and auctions. A buyer indicates that he wants to buy the car and pay with a cashier's check. At the last minute, the buyer creates a reason why he needs to write the check for more money and have the seller wire him the difference. The check turns out to be a fake, but it is often discovered long after the seller has wired the money. In addition, the seller is responsible for covering the money for the fake check. To avoid check scams, call the issuing bank before you accept the check and wait for the check to clear before you transfer the car into the buyer's name.
Bogus Escrow Services - Online vehicle sellers often use escrow services, which collect and verify payment from a buyer. The money is held by the service until all parties are satisfied with the sale. There have been some instances of phony escrow services operating on the Internet. Make the transaction through a reputable third party escrow service, perhaps an escrow account with a law firm of your choice or www.escrow.com. Some Fraud sites often claim they are recommended by eBay, eBay Motors, or Yahoo! Auctions. You may see the list of sites eBay actually recommends by clicking here. Make sure you check out an escrow service with escrowfraud.com. They catalog the good and bad services.
The best way to avoid most scams is to make sure you never transfer ownership of your vehicle until you have the cash in your hand. That means, you either get cash from the buyer or wait for the cashier's check to clear. Avoid buyers who will never meet you or never wish to see the vehicle in person (overseas). Avoid taking personal checks and allowing buyers to pay the car off over time. If buying, always verify the seller actually has/owns the item for sale and meet them face-to-face to view the vehicle. If you follow these few precautions, your buying and selling experience should go smoothly.