5 major car buying red flags

We’ve all been there: suddenly, with great alarm, we realize we’ve accidentally spent more money than we should have. Sometimes this problem is born of irresponsibility, but other times it’s a result of being tricked by a masterful scam artist. Scams today are all too common, and it’s much easier to fall for one than most people realize. With a purchase as large as a car, money lost in a bad deal has the potential to make a significant impact on your financial status. To help you avoid losing out in an unfair exchange, we’ve listed a few major red flags to look out for during the car buying process.

1. A seller who won’t take no for an answer

A certain level of pushiness is woven into the fabric of a salesperson’s job. We understand that their goal, first and foremost, is to needle buyers until a sale is made. When no number of rejections gets a person off your back, though, this could be a sign that the sale you’re involved in has a sketchy undertone. “Trust your instincts” isn’t just a platitude–heeding this advice can actually help you avoid overspending. If your gut tells you that a salesperson has bad intentions, this is often a feeling worth considering. 

2. Prices that exceed quality 

A beaten-down car with a faulty engine shouldn’t come with an enormous price tag. Though this may seem like an obvious observation, it warrants pointing out for those not entirely filled in on what cars are worth. If a vehicle’s price isn’t matching up with its condition, this is a clue that something is amiss. When a car has sustained serious damage or just isn’t in the state it was originally sold in, the resale price should be discounted accordingly. Even age can knock a car’s price down, so an older model won’t typically cost as much. Take condition, make, and model year into account so you don’t overpay for a vehicle that should cost you less. 

3. Clear evidence of neglect 

When considering which car to buy, you want to make sure each potential vehicle is safe to drive. A car that has sustained significant damage can pose dangerous problems, such as a malfunctioning transmission or overheated engine. Taking a test drive can be a good opportunity to identify damage, and these are a few things you should be on the lookout for: 

• smoke coming out of the hood
• fluid leaking
• odd or unusual sounds
• vehicle shaking when gears are changed 

Not all signs of poor care are immediately obvious, though. You should ask your salesperson to disclose any parts of a car that may not be functioning properly. If he or she denies damage when it clearly exists, this is another example of a glaring red flag. 

4. A VIN that doesn’t make sense 

A VIN, or a vehicle identification number, is a unique string of numbers and letters assigned to every car. These codes record information like make, model year, and production number, and no two cars have the same VIN. Asking to view a vehicle’s title is standard procedure for any car purchase, and doing so can aid you in catching red flags. If the vehicle identification number on the title is different from the one on the car, this is suspicious and should be questioned immediately. Though this can be a simple clerical error, it can also indicate that the car was obtained illegally. Taking the time to carefully examine all documents involved in a purchase might feel tedious, but the inconvenience is well worth it to avoid a stolen car falling into your possession. 

5. Flat-out avoiding inspections 

A trustworthy salesperson has nothing to hide. They should care about transparency as much as you do, so it shouldn’t be an issue for the car they’re selling to undergo an inspection. If the seller is evasive or downright rejects an inspection, this is a classic red flag that spells danger, scam, or at least a bad sales practice. If you can tell the person or agency you’re buying from is desperate to avoid an inspection at all costs, we recommend backing out from the sale as quickly as you can. 

Shop Transwest today 

As a reputable carrier of high-quality car brands, Transwest is proud of the relationship we foster with our customers. Our team aims to answer your questions and assuage your worries, so visit one of our locations today to find a vehicle that’s safe, reliable, and perfect for you and your family.