Question:
How to Avoid Being Scammed When Buying a Used Car From an Owner
Avoid Being Scammed When Buying a Used Car from an Owner
Most private sellers are above board. A few are not. Here are some tips on what to look for to avoid being scammed.
Name Confusion
The practice of buying used cars and then reselling them is called curbstoning. It is not legal.
- When you buy a used car from an owner, the name on the title should match the name of the person standing before you.
- Before you go out to see the car, ask if the person you are talking to is the titled owner.
Anonymous Location
- If the seller wants to meet in a strange location, beware. Although this may just be a safety precaution from a seller that doesn't want to invite several strangers to their home, it could also mean you are dealing with a dishonest person that should not be conducting this sale.
Ask Questions
- Private used car sellers should be very familiar with the vehicle for sale. If the seller cannot answer basic questions about the vehicle and its history, that may be a red flag.
- Some questions you might ask include:
- How long have you had the car (this should be consistent with what is printed on the title)
- Why are you selling the car?
- What repairs have been made? Do you have records?
- What is the current mileage? What was the mileage when you bought the car?
Used Car Frequently Asked Questions
Should I search for a used car online?
Should I buy a hybrid used car?
How can I pay for my used vehicle?
Are vehicle title searches important?
Does my 1982 Escort need a new engine?
Should I have a User's Manual for my used Ford?
When should I check my used car's oil?
How should I buy replacement parts for my Chevy?
Where can I find a manual for a used Chevy?
Should I buy a truck or an SUV?
What's a good road trip vehicle?
How often shoud I check the brake system on my older model used car?
Are 100k miles on a used truck too much?
Are salvage yard parts reliable?
How Can I Avoid Used Car Fraud?
How Can Buyers Avoid Auto Dealer Scams?
What Are Some Common Auto Scams?
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What Are Some Ways to Avoid Used Fraud?
What Should I look for To Avoid Car Dealer Scams?
How Can You Avoid Used Car Scams?
Will buying a used car save me money?
What's a good car for my teenager?
Why can't I make a copy of my used car's ignition key?
Do hybrid cars last as long as regular gasoline engine cars?
When should I have my mechanic inspect a used car I want to buy?
how much can I afford to spend on a used car?
Should I buy a used Nissan Maxima?
How often should the brake pads on my Nissan need to be replaced?
What is an "all-aluminum" engine?
How do I clean grease off my upholstery?
What's a good used SUV to purchase?
What is the correct usage of a child car seat?
Why won't my Toyota Camry start?
Are used hybrid cars less powerful?
Why does my four-cylinder used car vibrate at a stop light?
What should my mechanic look for when inspecting a used Toyota 4-Runner?
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How to Avoid Being Scammed When Buying a Used Car From an Owner
What Shouldn't I Do When Buying a Used Car from an Individual?
What Should I Ask When Buying a Used Car from an Owner?
What Should I Know About Selling a Used Car?
How Should I Prepare to Sell My Car?
What Are My Responsibilities When Selling a Car
What Can I Do if My Used Car Won't Sell?
What Are the Advantages of Selling a Car as an Individual?
What Are Some of the Pitfalls of Selling a Car?
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How Do a Resolve Problems with my Online Used Car Purchase?
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What Should I Look for in Used Car Classified Ads?
What Makes for Good Used Car Advertising?
| Guru Spotlight |
| Christina Chan |
