HOUSTON, Texas – It’s the holidays and many people are either gifting themselves a new vehicle for making it through the year or gifting someone else a new car as a surprise for the holidays.
But whatever the case, you need to know a few things before heading to the dealership this season.
Recommended Videos
Especially, after what happened to a single mom who said she was duped out of $1,500 when she tried to buy a used car from Strawberry Road Auto Sales in Pasadena. KPRC 2 reporter Gage Goulding and Photojournalist Oscar Chavez visited the auto shop to get answers but were instead assaulted by the manager on the property.
So, to help you all avoid, or hopefully, avoid getting duped, here are some do’s and don’ts when purchasing a used car:
Do’s
- Conduct thorough research: Identify the make and model that align with your needs and budget. Utilize resources like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to assess market values and reliability ratings.
- Obtain a vehicle history report: Access reports from services such as Carfax or AutoCheck to uncover any past accidents, title issues, or odometer discrepancies.
- Arrange a pre-purchase inspection: Hire a qualified mechanic to evaluate the vehicle’s condition, identifying potential issues that may not be immediately apparent. Wikipedia
- Take a comprehensive test drive: Drive the car under various conditions—city streets, highways, and different speeds—to assess its performance and comfort. DO NOT PAY FOR A TEST DRIVE.
- Verify the title and ownership: Ensure the seller possesses the legal right to sell the vehicle and that the title is clear of liens or other encumbrances.
- Negotiate the price: Use the information gathered from your research and inspection to negotiate a fair price.
- Review all documentation carefully: Before finalizing the sale, thoroughly read and understand all contracts and agreements.
Dangerous vehicle secrets? Storm-damaged vehicles from other states could end up in Houston
Don’ts:
- Skip the test drive: Avoid purchasing without experiencing how the car handles and feels on the road.
- Overlook maintenance records: Neglecting to review the vehicle’s maintenance history can lead to unforeseen repair costs.
- Ignore the vehicle’s history report: Relying solely on the seller’s word without verifying through a history report can be risky.
- Focus only on monthly payments: Concentrating solely on monthly payments may result in a longer loan term and higher overall costs.
- Rush the decision: Making hasty decisions can lead to overlooking critical details. Take your time to ensure the car meets your expectations.
- Accept unnecessary add-ons: Be cautious of additional features or warranties that may not be essential, as they can inflate the overall price.
- Neglect to check for recalls: Ensure the vehicle has no outstanding safety recalls that could pose risks or incur additional costs.
- Pay for a test drive: Dealerships should not take money upfront in order for you to test drive a vehicle. If a dealership is making you put down a downpayment to test drive a vehicle, you may want to take your business elsewhere.