More people are using the Internet to research and help buy a car today than ever before. This should come as no surprise -- you
can research, compare pricing and even check inventory right in the comfort of your homes. Sound's great doesn't it? It can be a
good thing, but the market has grown well beyond our neighborhood dealers, and now with Internet car buying we may have become more
vulnerable to fraud.
If you're new to online car buying you may need some guidance. To help protect our purchases and the money we have worked so hard to earn, we must take the same common sense approach as with any other major purchase. Here are several good ideas to help with finding a reliable used vehicle and not become a victim of fraud when buying a car online:
- What do other consumers have to say.
Look to see if the internet car buying site you're visiting offers information about the seller. Review the information about past transactions if it's offered and look for any comments by other customers about their car buying experience that may alert you to a problem. If the site does not offer this information, ask for it. The seller should be able to offer some references. What you want to find out is, are you dealing with an honest and reputable seller that will provide a hassle free, easy and convenient transaction.
- Talk to the seller.
Do your research and learn all you can about both the seller you're dealing with and the vehicle you are interested in buying. Internet car buying is not the same as going to your local dealer. After the sale you may not have anywhere to turn if there is a problem. Find out all you can. Ask them; why are you selling the car, how many miles are on it, how many owners it has had and if they know of it having ever been involved in an accident. Ask about the overall condition of the vehicle and if they have all the service records for it.
- Check the vehicles history.
Get a detailed vehicle history report from Carfax car buying online. This report will provide you with very valuable information such as how many owners it has had, what the mileage readings where at the time of any transactions concerning the vehicle, whether the car has ever been declared a salvage vehicle, declared a lemon and much, much more. Compare the information that you received from the seller with the information from the Carfax Report. Many sites are starting to offer free reports for cars listed on their sites. Internet car buying can be a fun and rewarding adventure.
- Learn the value of the car that interests you.
You can get free pricing information online from several sources like Edmunds (www.edmunds.com) and Kelley Blue Book. If the asking price is significantly lower, beware and take extra precautions. Keep in mind the old saying, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Get an opinion from someone else.
It may cost you a few bucks, but it may be money well spent to have a certified mechanic inspect the car thoroughly if you are serious about buying it. If the car is in a another state from where you live, contact a mechanic in that local area and arrange to have the vehicle inspected.
- Take your time.
Now we are getting into the money part of it. Review everything, the description of the car, payment information and the shipping details. Make certain that you understand everything you are signing your name to. Discuss what responsibilities the seller will assume if a problem should occur and make sure you get everything in writing. Never provide your personal information such as your social security number, birth date or bank account information. It's not necessary unless you plan to finance your purchase and then you may choose to arrange your own financing to avoid having your personal information getting into the wrong hands.
- Do you know what your rights are?
Get in touch with your state's attorney general's office and find out what protection you may or may not have in the event your car buying experience goes bad.
The Internet has made available a huge market of used cars online. Provided you take the steps necessary to make it an easy, safe and hassle free transaction, there are some great deals waiting for you. For most people buying a car is the likely to be the second biggest investment you will ever make after your house. Take your time and be sure that you are getting a good, reliable vehicle for your money.