Many buyers these days opt for purchasing used cars as opposed to brand new vehicles, and for good reason. Used cars are much more affordable and don’t depreciate in value in the same way a new car would. At the same time, however, shopping for used cars in Orlando does come with its inherent risks, such as being sold an unreliable “lemon.” Fortunately, there are some red flags all used car shoppers can be on the lookout for to avoid getting ripped off.
Suspicious Add-Ons
When obtaining used car financing through a dealership itself, it’s important for buyers to carefully review their finance agreements before signing any contracts. Specifically, buyers should be on the lookout for suspicious charges, such as add-ons for “paint sealers” or other unnecessary additions. A dealership that would try to add charges without disclosing or discussing them is not going to be a trustworthy place.
Lack of Maintenance Records
When buying a used car, it’s important to have at least some idea of how the car has been maintained by its previous owners. Specifically, records should be available of past oil changes, tire rotations, brake service, and any other maintenance. If no records are available, this is a sign that the car may not have been taken care of very well in the past, which means it could be more prone to problems down the road.
A Salvaged Title
Before buying a used car, it’s always a good idea to run a history check on the vehicle identification number (VIN). Doing so will reveal any previous accidents the car may have been in, along with the status of the car’s title. If the title is revealed to be salvaged, it’s probably best to walk away from that particular vehicle, as a salvaged title means that the car has either been in an accident or had serious damage done to it in the past.
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