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When buying a car privately you are at risk of falling victim
to
individuals who sell cars outside the law. If that's the case, you might find yourself
with an unreliable and unsafe vehicle. The safety provided by the
Motor Vehicle
Dealers Compensation Fund applies only to transactions involving registered dealers, all of whom
have contributed to this consumer protection
program. You need to protect yourself!
Follow these 5 easy tips to making the right deal.
1) Avoid curbsiders
If you are not buying from a registered dealer, make sure you don't become a
curbsider's victim. Curbsiders are imposters who pose as private individuals, but are
actually in the business of selling stolen, rebuilt or odometer-tampered vehicles. These
fraud artists sell damaged or defective cars to unsuspecting consumers.
2) Check the car's history
Insist the private seller
provide you with an official
Used Vehicle Information Package
(UVIP), which tells you the
history of the car's ownership.
Don't sign the deal without it.
If the seller refuses to provide
it, walk away from the deal.
Another suggested way to
check the history of a vehicle
(prior to purchase) is to order
a vehicle history report from
CARFAX or
CarProof.
3) Check the car's registration
Make sure the car you are buying is registered in the name of the seller.
If it
isn't, ask questions and find out why. Otherwise, you may be buying the vehicle from a curbsider.
4) Have your mechanic check the car
Before you agree to buy the car, get an unbiased opinion from a mechanic you trust.
5) Don't take any risks
Remember, if you buy from a curbsider
you could be buying a vehicle that
has been stolen or damaged and
you have nowhere to turn if
things go wrong. Don't take any
risks.
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Click here to report a curbsider