Do and Don't Suggestions BEFORE Car Purchasing
05-02-2009 | 01:51 PM
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Do and Don't Suggestions BEFORE Car Purchasing
I feel very sorry to read about problems resulting from an impulse purchase, so I decided to list here my suggestions:
DON'T buy a car without a thorough checkup by a specialist you trust. If you pay him for the inspection ask him to give you a written inspection report. Specially if the used car is sold "AS IS". This means without any warranty or recourse that is not written down on the bill of sale.
DO buy CPO Mercedes whenever available from a dealer, and purchase an Extended Warranty according to the time and use you will give to the car.
DON'T accept any verbal commitment from seller, salesman, dealer's personnel or even owner. They'll make you believe you should feel like an ***, but is a put up to make you yield. Be firm, but always cool.
DO inspect thoroughly your car for any visible signs for potential problems at delivery. Include tire preassure (W/spare), all fluids, idle sound, A/C, heater, radio, OBC, trunk items, etc. Clear them up before paying and driving off, not after.
DON'T sign anything without reading. If there is something that you do not understand, find out what it means. Do not take "is a standard form" for an answer -get a copy and find out BEFORE signing-. The last paragraph usually reads that you have read and understood the contents of the paper and that is why you are dating it and signing. There are no forms for financing, insuring, or purchasing that makes it an obligation to sign without understanding them or clearing in writing points that are not covered and were agreed by both parties. Note that the seller has the right to deny any of the buyer's demands, and the buyer does not have to give in if he considers it important -even if it is a deal breaker-. That's why is imperative for the buyer to stay cool and not yield to an impulse purchase pressure.
Do cover in writing expected action by the seller in the case of specific hidden defects. Be specific in cars sold as is (without warranty), if they represent for example that the tranny was overhauled 2 months ago and should not fail for defects in materials or workmanship for the term of 4 months from this date. In case of this specific failure, it should be brought to the seller (or xxx shop) for repair. Get it in writing on the bill of sale, is your only line of defense.If you buy from a private party, make sure in what you are getting into. The BBB is full of complaints about "nice guys".
As you can see, they are a few simple things that only require a little of your patience and help you eyeball the car quality and the virtue of the prospective seller. Remember the lawyers' saying: "It's always better a deal gone sour than a good law suit".
Cheers, and enjoy motoring, JV
DON'T buy a car without a thorough checkup by a specialist you trust. If you pay him for the inspection ask him to give you a written inspection report. Specially if the used car is sold "AS IS". This means without any warranty or recourse that is not written down on the bill of sale.
DO buy CPO Mercedes whenever available from a dealer, and purchase an Extended Warranty according to the time and use you will give to the car.
DON'T accept any verbal commitment from seller, salesman, dealer's personnel or even owner. They'll make you believe you should feel like an ***, but is a put up to make you yield. Be firm, but always cool.
DO inspect thoroughly your car for any visible signs for potential problems at delivery. Include tire preassure (W/spare), all fluids, idle sound, A/C, heater, radio, OBC, trunk items, etc. Clear them up before paying and driving off, not after.
DON'T sign anything without reading. If there is something that you do not understand, find out what it means. Do not take "is a standard form" for an answer -get a copy and find out BEFORE signing-. The last paragraph usually reads that you have read and understood the contents of the paper and that is why you are dating it and signing. There are no forms for financing, insuring, or purchasing that makes it an obligation to sign without understanding them or clearing in writing points that are not covered and were agreed by both parties. Note that the seller has the right to deny any of the buyer's demands, and the buyer does not have to give in if he considers it important -even if it is a deal breaker-. That's why is imperative for the buyer to stay cool and not yield to an impulse purchase pressure.
Do cover in writing expected action by the seller in the case of specific hidden defects. Be specific in cars sold as is (without warranty), if they represent for example that the tranny was overhauled 2 months ago and should not fail for defects in materials or workmanship for the term of 4 months from this date. In case of this specific failure, it should be brought to the seller (or xxx shop) for repair. Get it in writing on the bill of sale, is your only line of defense.If you buy from a private party, make sure in what you are getting into. The BBB is full of complaints about "nice guys".
As you can see, they are a few simple things that only require a little of your patience and help you eyeball the car quality and the virtue of the prospective seller. Remember the lawyers' saying: "It's always better a deal gone sour than a good law suit".
Cheers, and enjoy motoring, JV
