How to Avoid Getting Scammed at a Used Car Dealership
Andrew Koole
· 4 min read
Buying a
used car
can be scary. There are a lot of factors that go into finding the right make and model, the right car insurance
policy, and the right seller. The process forces you to trust a lot of strangers.The car sales industry doesn’t have the best reputation for how they treat consumers, but knowing what to be on the lookout for can help you avoid scams and dishonest salespeople.
Knowing what you want before you arrive is a good first step to getting a fair deal, but your research won’t protect you all by itself. The following bits of knowledge will keep you safe, calm your nerves, and help you find the right price at the dealership.
Red flags to watch for on the car lot
Not all car salespeople are con artists, but the stereotype didn’t come from nowhere. A few common signs will help you see if the dealer is on your side or not.
First off, know what you’re looking for and what it’s worth before you arrive. If the dealer’s price doesn’t match your research (too high or too low), it could be a sign that something is awry.
Also, don’t get pressured to make a quick decision. If the salesperson uses manipulative tactics like telling you that the car will be gone tomorrow or that the sale only lasts until such a date,
Motorbiscuit
says it’s better to walk away than to get sucked into the ploy.Be sure to give the whole car a good look-over. If you notice any rust spots that have been painted over or other signs of hidden damage and cheap repairs, you’re probably better off finding a car someplace more trustworthy.
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Signs at the desk of a bad deal
MORE: Should You Buy Your Car From an Online Dealership?
In terms of paperwork,
extended warranties
are often used to squeeze more money out of you. If one is offered, it isn’t necessarily something to be worried about. But you’re asked repeatedly and being pressured to sign up, feel free to walk away from the deal. Another thing shady salespeople will do is focus on the monthly payment while negotiating rather than the actual price of the car. This tactic might not change the cost of the car, but it’s a way to take your eyes off the ball and can be a sign that something’s wrong with the price.
One of the most important things to do is make sure you’re also provided a Carfax
vehicle history
so you know what you’re getting into. If the salesperson is reluctant to hand one over, the car probably isn’t worth the trouble. It’s best to look elsewhere and avoid buying a lemon.Other car buying prep work
Another thing you need to do before paying for a car is research car insurance prices for your desired model. You should have a pretty solid budget for car ownership before walking into the dealership, and insurance premiums are part of that.
If you want to save money on car insurance, the
Jerry
app is a good place to start. A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding cheap quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy. And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price.
This level of service is why Jerry earned a 4.6/5 rating on the App Store and made it the top insurance app in the country.
