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Having a car is more than a want for many people. For individuals who require a vehicle to work, it’s an absolute necessity. At the same time, there are a few factors that make purchasing a used car especially challenging right now. Let’s investigate what steps can be taken to protect yourself when buying a used car.
There are few purchases you’ll make in life that are more expensive than a vehicle. Outside of a home or paying to further your education, buying a car is right at the top of the cost pyramid—regardless of whether it’s new or used. This, of course, was the case even before supply chain issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic sent used car prices to the moon. According to a report from Car and Driver, “the average used car costs around 35 percent more today [December 2021] than it did at the beginning of 2021.” That is a massive markup in an incredibly short period.
As you can see, the cost—and thus, risk—of purchasing a used car has skyrocketed in the recent past. But the fact that used cars have become more expensive isn’t the only thing that makes it so you have to protect yourself when buying one. The reason auto prices are going up is largely linked to a discrepancy in supply and demand. Since demand for used cars is so much higher than supply right now, sellers realize they can ask for a premium price.
At the same time, buyers are more willing to purchase a vehicle faster and by putting forward less due diligence, which can open the door to scams. Even if someone isn’t intentionally trying to rip you off, feeling you have to make a decision quickly or lose your opportunity to get a vehicle can lead to less-than-optimal choices.
It's important to remember that the source from which you purchase a used vehicle can be as critical as the make and model. Purchasing from a site like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace can potentially get you a great deal. But you might also end up with a total dud and no recourse for recovering your money. Some used car dealerships are wonderful; others are highly suspect. No matter where you go, you’ll want to look out for these used car red flags.
All of these red flags can alert you right away if there’s something off with a used vehicle. But this isn’t going to be enough to ensure it’s the right car for you.
Unless you work on cars for a living, it’s smart to have a trusted mechanic look over a used vehicle before you decide to buy it. The key word here is “trusted.” Don’t let the seller convince you to have their mechanic look at the car. It should be extremely concerning if they continue pushing for this, or won’t let you have the vehicle inspected by your mechanic. Having a trusted professional do a full investigation can help you identify any serious problems before you get stuck with a car.
While these things are particularly important when buying from an individual or used car lot, it’s worth pursuing even when you have a CarFax History report and a warranty on the used car. As used cars continue to become more and more expensive, protecting yourself during the purchasing process is of the utmost importance. Learning the key points to staying safe while buying a used car will help you get a great deal and avoid a dud.