When buying a previously owned car, there are many ways for you to get
a bad deal from both a dealer and a private seller.
Odometers may be rolled back thousands of miles. It is against the law
in most states, but it is easy to do. It is still a major problem in used
cars today.
Be wary if the previous owner will not or cannot show you the past repair
records or identity of any former owners. If the title seems suspicious,
go somewhere else.
If an auto is shipped from out-of-state or received in trade from another
dealer.
What is
a VIN number?
Vehicle Identification Number stands for "VIN".
This vin number is a universal serial number provided to every car by the
vehicle manufacturer. Within the 17-digit number are different codes that
indicate the car's make and model, a serial number, where the vehicle was
manufactured, and even information about optional add-ons such as a sun
roof.
If your new car is spending more time in the shop than on the road,
you may be able to get relief from your state's lemon law. These laws
are designed to ensure that new-car buyers aren't stuck with manufacturers'
mistakes.
Lemon laws in some states cover leased or used vehicles as well as new
ones. To find out about the lemon law that applies to your car or truck,
contact the consumer affairs office or attorney general's office in the
state where you bought the vehicle.
Generally, lemon laws allow a car owner to seek a refund or replacement
if a vehicle has a defect or condition that substantially impairs its
use, market value or safety, and the defect is not fixed within a "reasonable"
number of repair attempts--usually defined as four repair attempts or
30 days out of service within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles of ownership.
(In some states, the lemon law applies for different periods; see the
table on the next page.)
Arbitration is state-run in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Vermont and
Washington. In other states, arbitration programs are run by the automaker,
the Better Business Bureau or the National Automobile Dealers Association.
In most states, you present your case to an arbitration board, either
in person or by telephone or letter. The automaker also presents its side.
If you prove your case, the arbitration board can force the automaker
to buy the car back.
The automaker is usually required to abide by the arbitrator's ruling
if you win. But if you're not happy with the arbitrator's decision, you
can usually still take your case to court.
Order a vin check today. Vehicle VIN
Checks provide you with the safety and assurance you need to buy
a reliable used vehicle. A VIN report can provide a surefire way
to get more interested buyers if you are selling a used car.
