Buying a used car can be a stressful experience. A car is a big investment, and you want to make sure you get the best value possible. In addition to your independent research, one of the biggest factors that will affect your decision is your salesperson.
The right salesperson will be attentive to your needs, and work to find the vehicle that’s right for you. Sometimes, though, a used car dealer will try to swindle you. Here are 6 times when it’s time to walk away from your spooky salesperson.
1. Your car salesman is unable to physically produce the title to the vehicle.
The title is the document you need to legally gain possession of the car. The dealer will transfer the title to you at the time of sale. If you are buying from a car dealership in Minnesota, they are required to submit title and registration paperwork for you. Once you sign the title transfer, you’re good to go and no additional steps need to be taken.
However, if you’re buying from a private seller, you will need to take a few steps to complete the title transfer after purchasing the vehicle. A full guide to transferring vehicle titles in Minnesota can be found on the DMV website.
If your car salesman is reluctant to produce the title, be careful - they may not have the legal rights to the vehicle. Never walk out of a purchase without the title to your new vehicle.
2. The salesperson hedges about the Carfax report.
Carfax provides history reports for used vehicles. The report gathers data from a variety of sources, including motor vehicle agencies, auto actions, collision repair facilities, and service and maintenance facilities. It will include valuable vehicle history information like accidents reported, structural damage, last reported mileage, and warranty information.
Many dealers will make Carfax reports available to you free of charge.
3. The vehicles you’re shown have new or mismatched paint.
A newly painted vehicle may look good. But it often hints at recent body work that the seller may be trying to hide. Even if the vehicle’s CARFAX report is clean, new paint could be a sign that it was the victim of an unreported accident.
4. The dealership has poor independent reviews.
Sites like DealerRater are a good way to verify that you’re working with a reputable car dealership. Everything may look good at the dealership and on their website, but it’s important to cross-check their reputation with third-party opinions.
5. The dealer doesn’t perform their own inspections.
Since CARFAX reports don’t catch everything, you should look for a dealership that also performs their own full visual inspections using ASE-certified technicians.
If you’re buying from an independent seller, you will want to have the vehicle looked over by an independent mechanic. Beware if your seller resists this inspection - this could mean that there is a glitch they’re hoping to hide from many buyers’ untrained eyes.
6. Your car salesperson leaves you stranded on the floor, rushes you, or otherwise tries to intimidate you.
Negotiating over price is often the most stressful part of buying a car. Don’t let a salesperson take advantage of you by dragging out the process.
Unless you are a practiced negotiator, no-haggle pricing may be your best option. Rather than trying to bargain with an experienced salesperson, you can do your research, determine your budget, and find a no-haggle dealer who will match that price.
When it comes to buying a car, find a salesperson who won’t pressure you into making a purchase that doesn’t feel right. Talk with one of our highly-rated sales consultants by stopping by our Golden Valley location or calling us at (763) 522-2000. Or browse our inventory of one-owner, accident-free luxury vehicles online.
