Tips to Avoid Getting Scammed While Purchasing a Second Hand Car

With the price of new cars easily breaching the 8 to 10-lakh mark, many first-time car buyers are increasingly turning towards second hand cars. Getting yourself a second hand car loan is also quite easy. However, things don’t always end up well for buyers of used cars. There have been many instances where devious sellers scam genuine buyers of used cars using dirty tricks. That said, here are some tips that you can use to avoid getting scammed while purchasing a second hand car.

1. Check the price

The first and foremost thing that you need to check is the offer price of the car. If the price of the car seems too good to be true, there’s a high chance that it might have some hidden faults or might even require extensive repair. Usually, devious sellers entice buyers with a low price. For instance, if you find a luxury car from the likes of a BMW or an AUDI for just around Rs. 4 lakhs, tread carefully since it might be a scam. The car might require major repairs, which can run into lakhs of rupees.

2. Don’t get enticed by the pictures

Pictures may not always be an accurate representation of the car. And so, never decide upon buying a second hand car going by just the pictures alone. Some sellers may refrain from uploading images that show you the damages the car has undergone. Others, on the other hand, might even try to edit the damages out of the picture using a picture editing software like photoshop. And so, always make sure that you check the car out thoroughly in person.

3. Don’t deposit any money in advance

Many second hand car sellers will try to push you into buying their car. They might try to mislead you into believing that their car has been receiving plenty of offers and that you should try and block the car by paying some money in advance. This is quite a common tactic that many sellers use to scam genuine buyers. Irrespective of how pushy the seller is, never deposit any money in advance even if it means that the car you wanted to purchase might get sold before you make a decision. 

4. Check the car out thoroughly

Always make sure that you check the car completely before agreeing to buy a used car. If your knowledge about cars is limited, it would be a good idea to take a trusted mechanic along with you when checking the car out. When inspecting the car, check for abnormal noises from the engine, rust, broken parts, and excessive wear and tear. While you’re doing so, keep asking the seller questions and check if their replies match the car’s current condition. If a seller seems shifty, anxious, or irritated, don’t be afraid to walk away irrespective of how sweet the deal is.

Conclusion

With many people opting to purchase second hand cars, the market is overloaded with plenty of options. So, spend some extra time to ensure that you get a good and healthy car. Since used car loan interest rates are quite low these days, getting a second hand car loan is now easier than ever. That said, always make use of a used car loan calculator before purchasing a second hand car.