The North Carolina Lemon Law only applies to new vehicles. But, there are many other laws that protect consumers who purchase used cars. Consumers need to be sure to protect themselves, especially when buying a used car. The old phrase, “buyer beware” is never more applicable than with a used car purchase.
Buying a used car can save you money, but if you’re not careful, you could get stuck with more problems than you bargained for. If you’re planning to purchase a used vehicle, keep the following tips in mind when making your decision.
-If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. No one, not even the most motivated seller, is going to take a major loss on a used car sale. If you suspect tampering with the vehicle, check the odometer reading from past sales. A CARFAX report would show the progression of the odometer over time. Remember, the typical car owner drives their vehicle about 12,000 to 18,000 miles per year. Keep your eyes open for good deals, but avoid any sales that seem too perfect.
-Stay away from curbsiders. Curbsiders are stolen cars that are re-sold by criminals with fake documentation and fraudulent Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) to unsuspecting buyers. If a seller won’t meet you at their home, is not conducting the sale in their own name, the VIN looks as though it’s been tampered with, or the car has been freshly painted, you may be dealing with a curbsider sale. If you happen to unknowingly purchase a stolen car, the vehicle can still be repossessed and you will have no course of action, other than a civil lawsuit, to recover your losses.
-Do your homework. Don’t hand over any money until you’ve done a full title search and vehicle history report on the automobile. You can have the title checked through government files at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and then a vehicle history report completed through a service like CARFAX. If the seller presents you with a title search, but you believe it may be fraudulent, do your own title search on the VIN with the DMV.
-Avoid purchasing a vehicle “AS-IS.” “AS-IS” auto sales means that there are no warranties involved. If you must buy a used car “AS IS”, you should require the seller to let you take it to an independent mechanic of your choice to inspect it prior to the sale. Be sure to do this BEFORE signing any documents. If you plan to purchase an “AS IS” vehicle as part of a fixer upper project, that’s fine, but understand that you’ll need to have the car safety certified and brought up to standard before you take it for a spin.
