| Used car fraud is when a car dealer engages in unfair | | | | avoid this law by settling with a consumer off the |
| or misleading sales practices to sell a used vehicle. | | | | record. Acquiring the vehicle repair history will ensure |
| When shopping for a used car, most people tend to | | | | you are not buying a previous owner's lemon. |
| be wary of used car salesmen. No one wants to buy | | | | 4. Inspect the Vehicle: When you are looking at used |
| a vehicle that turns out to be a lemon, so it is important | | | | cars, there are number of things you can look for to |
| to learn how to avoid becoming a victim of a used car | | | | determine if a car is in bad shape. For instance, you |
| scam. Below are a number of ways you can protect | | | | can find out if it is a flood damaged vehicle by looking |
| yourself from a used car scam. | | | | for slow-moving power windows, wetness in the |
| 1. Vehicle History Report: Before you purchase a used | | | | taillights and headlight compartments, and rust or dirt in |
| car, it is important to acquire the vehicle's history. | | | | the trunk and glove compartment. You should inspect |
| AutoCheck or CARFAX are two places where one | | | | the exterior for rust spots, recently painted areas, |
| can get a detailed history of the car. These companies | | | | loose bumpers and fenders, old worn tires, rust and dirt |
| will provide information about a particular car such as | | | | under the hood and on the mechanical parts, |
| an odometer check, title check, history of repairs, and | | | | scratches, and big dents. When you take it for a test |
| registration check. As well, the dealer can get a copy | | | | drive, check for squeaky brakes, unusual shifting, and if |
| of the vehicle's repair history by using the VIN number. | | | | you have to press hard on the brakes to get it to stop. |
| Unfortunately, rolling back the odometer is quite | | | | Don't buy a car that says sold 'as is' in the agreement. |
| common among used car dealers so it is important | | | | Due to the recent troubled economy, many people are |
| that you get a good approximation of the odometer | | | | now buying used cards instead of brand new cars. |
| reading. If the odometer reading seems really low, | | | | Although there are lemon laws to protect people who |
| chances are the odometer has been rolled back. | | | | purchase used cars, it is important to get a good |
| 2. Mechanic Inspection: Many experts recommend | | | | warranty. As well, the seller should give you the |
| taking the used car to a mechanic for inspection | | | | warranty to any new parts that have been added to |
| before purchase. You should take it to a mechanic | | | | the vehicle. You should also check the Kelly Blue Book |
| that you know and trust. If a seller will not allow you to | | | | value of the car to make sure you are paying a fair |
| take it to a mechanic, than you should look for another | | | | price. When buying a used car, it is important to |
| vehicle. | | | | thoroughly research the car to avoid becoming a |
| 3. Avoid a Lemon Laundered Vehicle: There are a | | | | victim of a used car scam. If you think you have been |
| number of states that mandate if a manufacturer buys | | | | scammed, you should see an attorney that specializes |
| back a lemon, the title of the vehicle must state that it | | | | in used car scams. |
| was a 'Lemon Law Buyback.' Some manufacturers | | | | |