Where do "used cars" come from ?
They can be found in the paper, on the net, car lots (new and used), parking lots, and along the road. Some are for sale by a private owner, maybe the original purchaser. These are perhaps the best buys out there. However you must get these cars checked over. Sometimes people believe they own a cream puff, and its a mess they cant face up to. Private sales may be the best way to find a low mileage vehicle, or a real cream puff, however financing and warranty's can be a problem.
Many "used cars" are for sale by scam artists, making a quick buck selling cars in the paper. They buy the fast moving "little old lady" vehicles and turn them around in a few days and make a bunch of money. If you run into these guys, you will feel something is funny. The title may be in someone else's name. If they transferred the title to their name, they might get busted for selling all these used cars without a business license. I have seen a lot of this going on in the Northern Virginia area. Ask to see a clear title when you check out the car. A private seller should have it, unless its held by a bank or credit union. There are no warranty's on vehicles that have some mileage on them. Keep in mind you may be looking at a flood car, or a previously totaled automobile.
If you like the car get a pre-purchase inspection done !
Lets chat about vehicles on dealer lots. They are trade-ins or bought at auction for resale. They may be from another state, may be totally rebuilt or refinished. This is the reason EVERY used car or truck needs a complete look over before you buy it. The salesman does not know the history of any vehicle on their lot. These guys you get stuck talking to, don't go to the auction, don't have a hint what was paid for the vehicle, and don't care. They want to sell you the vehicle for a price set by a manager or owner. Cars bought at auction are a gamble for a dealer, they can get stuck with a mess as fast as you can. Many dealers know what cars are safe to purchase. They also have been doing business with the same sellers for years and have " friends" there. I suspect that many of the low volume used car lots, get some of the worst vehicles to resell. Many dealers will look over a used car and make needed repairs to pass inspection. A wash and wax, and it looks good. But was it a wreck? How about a flood car, or perhaps a vehicle that wasn't taken care of. No oil changes, fluid flushes, tire rotations, or tune-ups. Repairs were made only when the car stopped or broke down. Never maintained or even washed. Can all this abuse be hidden by the guys at auction? YES.. And if not there, then at a selling dealer. It become common practice to paint the front and rear bumpers on all used cars. This hides damage from bumping into walls and small stones beating the paint off the soft bumper surface. This repair is a good idea, except some of these paint jobs are done outside in the cold or damp. Will the paint hold up? Perhaps it will start peeling in 3 months? You need to have a pre-purchase inspection done on the vehicle you like. It will uncover needed maintenance and hidden damage. Some neglect and abuse can be overlooked and will not shorten the vehicle's life, or lessen its value. It must be assessed by a pro, the costs are way to high to leave to gut feelings.
Let me tell you about the "carfax" service. They do provide an accurate record of any odd changes in mileage and any submitted insurance claims for damage repairs. But I have seen cars with $12000.00 damage and not a sign on the report. How can this be? A good rule of thumb, If the report shows problems, move on to another car. If it doesn't show any problems, then have it checked out before you purchase it. Its that easy.
I can check out a used or new vehicle for you. I have the product knowledge and the experience to really check it over. I use a detailed check-sheet when I inspect a vehicle. Would you like a copy of the sheet that I use? You can perform your own inspection and feel more comfortable about your purchase. It reminds you of things that should be checked, that you will forget about because of the excitement of a new purchase. Any needed repairs can be brought to the attention of the seller and repairs or price adjustments can be performed. You need to know what your buying, before you sign. A new inspection sticker doesn't mean a thing. So many sellers have friends that let things slide through inspection. Your making a big mistake if you trust something as simple as an inspection sticker as an indicator of safety or value.
A vehicle inspection should be performed on a new car or truck as well. Let me tell you why. Was there carrier damage? Repaired by the selling dealer? Has the hood been painted because of tree sap on the storage lot? These things do not have to be disclosed to you. If your buying a common vehicle, a white expedition for example, lets choose the one with the original paint. Let someone else test weather the dealer paint work will hold up over time. It takes 1-2 hours to perform a good inspection. I can do the pre-purchase inspection when you test drive the vehicle. Some sellers don't like inspections. They worry about someone finding problems and killing a sale. Its natural for them to resist, and it doesn't mean the cars a mess. It can be done carefully and with the sellers consent.
A pre-purchase inspection runs about $80.00
I can speak for you, and make the seller aware of needed repairs. I would charge by the hour, and the costs would be low compared with the savings and peace of mind you would walk away with. Some cars have such a bad history with expensive repairs, I may steer you away form certain years and models, no matter what the condition or price.
Let me know if I can help, that's why I made this site available
You can email me if you wish.. supercardoctor@aol.com
703-536-FORD
Thanks for your interest in my web site...