When Buying The Used Car Out Of State: The Dos and Don’ts

If you are investing your hard-earned bucks in buying a used car, you want it to be as perfect as possible in terms of your needs.

And if you need the vehicle quick, it’s not necessary to wait for the local listings. In fact, you can move forward to find the cars listed out of your state and strike a great deal in the process.

Having said that, this is never too easy. Besides, you would regret if you get a faulty vehicle even after putting in an extra amount of effort to try to get the car you wanted.

Wish to stay away from any unfavorabledeals when buying a used vehicle? Here are some dos and don’ts which you can follow to get the best results:

The Dos To Follow:

• Research For The Price:

First of all, you need to determine the fair and typical market price of the vehicle and in this, you can get help from Kelly Blue Book.

You just need to enter the values such as mileage, vehicle condition, options and similar other factors to get an exact detail of the price. Through this, you can determine what would be the fair price and whether or not there’s room for negotiation.

• Get Service Records:

Ask the owner to show you the service records of the vehicle, especially if the car has undergone some major repairs such as an overhauled engine.

You can get the help of an official car dealer in the process as these venues will usually havecertified, pre-owned cars almost everywhere. Plus, thiskind of paperwork is usually typical of their sales-service.

• Ensure To Get The Car Inspected:

Of course, you would never purchase a car without considering its conditions thoroughly but then, there’s a difference between a vehicle checked by an ordinary person and a specialized car inspector.

Car inspectors are trained and qualified professionals who have an exact idea of the parts to be inspected in a car and they also provide a detailed report for the same.

So when you get a vehicle inspected by the professionals, you would get a detailed view of every inch of the car and get to know about any troubles which the vehicle might be facing.

• Take a Test Drive Yourself:

Apart from inspection by the dedicated vehicle inspectors, it’s necessary to take a test drive of the vehicle yourself too. Through this, you would even come to know about the state of brakes, the stopping ability of the tires, and the condition of A/C etc.

Use A Cashier’s Check For The Payment:

When you are fully satisfied with the vehicle, then too it is not advised to handover the payment in cash. In fact, you can go for a cashier’s check or money order.

And why is it advised so?

It’s simply to keep you safe from any fraudulent activities.

• View The Registration and Title:

Do not forget the registration of the car and see if it is up to date. The name on it should also be exactly the same as the seller.

Besides, you should also ask for the pink slip and check if the name on it is the same as the seller. Also, make sure there are no liens on the vehicle. If there is a lien on it and money is owed to a previous creditor, you will need to pay that back also before you can own the vehicle and it can be registered in your name.

Insurance Proof:

Ask for insurance proof.

In they possess active insurance on the car,there are chances that they would have taken better care of the vehicle. This also means that the vehicle has been in use recently which more than likely states that it is a pleasure to use and is safe and reliable.

 

The Don’ts To Follow:

• Do Not Rely On The Seller’s Inspection Claims:

The car seller claims to have got the car inspected; right? Should you believe any such claims? Definitely not! Remember, they want to sell the car for the highest price possible, so the less you know about the car’s faults and defects, the better!

In fact, buying a used car without getting it inspected by a 3^rd part expert is similar to buying a lottery where chances of failure are considerably high.

• Do Not Buy A Car Without Testing It:

Again, before you buy a car, do not forget trying your hands on it. Make sure the steering wheel, the brake, the gears, and the accelerator etc. meet your approval. Also, with all the new optional electronic, safety and convenience features available on today’s models, it’s also important that each system is is checked for proper operation at this time.

 

• Do Not Believe The Odometer Readings Too:

Many faulty car sellers tamper with the odometer readings too and the car appears to have traveled far lesser than what it actually did.

In such a case, it’s very difficult for a layman to understand such meddles.

If passible, ask for a “CarFax” which will indicate the odometer history and indicate if there are any discrepancies.

However, expert car inspectors do not take much time to understand any such things and would definitely mention this in their report.

• Do Not Buy Without A Clear Vehicle Title:

Never buy the vehicle if the title is not clear. Besides, stay cautious of out-of-state titles. It’s also very important that the title isn’t BRANDED.“Branded” titles indicate the vehicle has had major damage, been bought-back by the manufacturer due to defects or may have experienced severe use and wear. Examples of BRANDS which may be seen on titles include:

• Damaged
• Dismantled
• Gray market
• Junk
• Lemon law buyback
• Prior police
• Prior taxi
• Rebuilt
• Reconditioned
• Remanufactured
• Replica
• Revived junk
• Revived salvage
• Salvage
• Scrap vehicle
• Totaled
• Warranty returned
• Water damage

And additionally, you need to check the license plates of the car to ensure that they comply with the registration.

• Do Not Bring A Lot Of Cash With You:

A lot of cash in hand is always a risk factor. Therefore, it is advised not to take unwanted cash with you.

In fact, money order or cashier’s check are good options. Personal checks are never recommended  and will usually not be accepted by the seller anyway.

• Do Not Believe Everything Which Is Told:

The seller might tell and highlight a number of features of the vehicle. Besides, they may also spin some unbelievable tales on now well everything works, it’s gas mileage, how the car has been “babied”, etc.

On your part, believe only what the manufacturer offers with the vehicle according to its make and year. And make sure to get the vehicle inspected so that performance or operation of any of the original features are missing.

• Do Not Meet At Night:

The night is too risky for a car deals to take place. Besides the potential fraudulent activities, you may miss a number of things which could be readily caught in the daylight.

Ensure to perform the deal in a well-lit public place.

• Do Not Buy The Car Without Checking It The First Thing In Morning:

Most of the used cars face troubles when you attempt to start them in the morning. And for this, you need to check the vehicle by starting it in the morning.

• Do Not Buy A Car If You Cannot Meet The Designated Person:

If you cannot meet the person whose name is mentioned on the registration or title, it’s no use buying it.

Almost all the stolen vehicles are sold via craigslist or eBay and are often purchased by private buyers who are not acquainted with scams such as this.

• Do Not Buy A Car Without Service Records:

If you purchase a used car that has no service records, you may end up paying a big amount in its fixing and maintenance. Make sure you review the records to verify the vehicle was properly maintained and repaired in a timely manner.

• Do Not Forget To Transfer Your Insurance:

If you already have an insurance carrier, make sure you transfer it to the new car you purchase.

 

With all these in mind, you can make sure to turn your out-of-state used car deal a perfect one without facing any unwanted troubles in the future.

Get help from a good vehicle inspection agency such as ‘Car Inspectors’ in Los Angeles which provides ASE-certified auto inspectors to inspect all kinds of cars at the most reasonable charges.

Besides, they also provide mobile mechanics to help you get minor vehicle repairs and tune-ups, whenever and wherever you face troubles with your new “ride”.

Contact ‘Car Inspectors’ and get rid of all the troubles which can occur when purchasing and servicing a quality used car, truck or SUV.