There are many issues to consider when buying a used car. If you are purchasing a used car, review the following tips to avoid unexpected bumps in the road.
- Find a reputable dealer to purchase your vehicle. Talk to friends and family and see if they can recommend a used car dealer. Research the dealer that you are considering and see if they have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau.
- Be smart about picking out a car. Remember that if you purchase a vehicle older than 7 years or with high mileage, your risks that the vehicle with need wear and tear maintenance costs will be higher.
- Ask for a carfax history report. You want to know the history of the car. Carefully read the car fax report and ask questions. Ask the salesperson about the history of the car.
- Listen to your instinct. If the check engine light comes on during the test drive or a bumper is misaligned, avoid purchasing the car. The vehicle should be in good working order during the test drive. If there are signs that the car needs repair or might have been in an accident, move on to another vehicle.
You purchased a used car, but you feel that you are a victim of fraud. Here are examples of consumer fraud cases
:
- Misrepresenting that your vehicle had never been damaged before when, in fact, it has been in a prior accident.
- Misrepresenting the ownership history to hide the fact that the vehicle was previously a rent-a-car.
- Concealing that the vehicle was previously a rebuilt wreck, or was considered a total loss in a prior accident.
- Misrepresenting the actual mileage on the odometer
- Forgery or loan documents to alter financing terms
- Misrepresenting financing terms or that you were financed when you were not.
- Concealing the vehicle was in a flood. Due to many of the recent floods and storms, vehicles become flooded, and then placed back in the stream of commerce without disclosure that the vehicle may have been under water.
There are many ways you can find out if you are a victim of consumer fraud. Contact one of our experienced consumer fraud attorneys for a free review of your case if you believe you were the victim of consumer fraud. SmithMarco, PC has been helping consumers with consumer fraud claims since 2005. We are more than happy to take the time to review this matter at no cost just to see whether you qualify.