You may already know this from experience or someone else’s story but the task of buying used cars is quite daunting. You are likely going to be a target of all manner of scams and deceptions as soon as you start going around looking for a used car to buy. You are not alone though as thousands of buyers do get scammed or misled every year right here in Jackson Mi when buying cars.
In this article, I reveal and discuss some of the most common scams I have come across in the recent past, either at used car dealerships in Jackson MI, or elsewhere where used cars are sold. I will also explain how to avoid being scammed and what you could potentially do should you get scammed.
Tampered Odometers (Fraud)
One of the most common used car scams I see every day is when some sellers change the odometer reading on the vehicle to cheat buyers that the vehicle has lower mileage than it has. Falling victim to this scam means you will be an old clunky jalopy with a million issues thinking it’s still in good condition.
Some of the telltale signs of an odometer that has been tampered with include”
- Mismatched wear on wheels, pedals and body panels
- Paperwork discrepancies- You can find missing or mismatched records on the vehicle’s service history or vehicle records online on platforms like Bumper.com or VinHistoryUSA.com.
- Abnormally low price for “low” mileage vehicles
- Odometer reading not available on the dashboard
Washed Vehicle Titles
Washed vehicle title scams are surprisingly common in Jackson Mi and are very hard to detect. A title washing scam is where a dishonest used car dealer or individual seller goes out of their way to conceal the vehicle’s history and possibly checkered past. They will try to hide facts like the car’s accident history, flood damage, neglect, or salvage title by getting a new title from another state.
Flood-Damaged Used Vehicles
Many buyers want to avoid flood-damaged used vehicles because they can be a pain to fix and tend to have endless problems with electronics. However, I have seen many used car sellers and dealerships try to sell flood-damaged vehicles that still have some life in them after a deep clean and minor repair.
Jackson has had its fair share of floods in recent years so there is a high chance you might land on a unit that has flood damage as you shop for your used cars. Some telltale signs of such a unit include dirt buildup in odd areas like inside the dash, musty odor in the car, and moisture stains.
Financing Scams (Yo-yo Vehicle Buying Scams)
The yo-yo car financing scam is an old and annoying trick of many used car dealers in Jackson Michigan. From what I have observed, it usually involves a dealer allowing you to drive off with the car after negotiating and signing the financing paperwork and then calling to claim the financing fell through. They will then try to convince you to renegotiate financing terms with much higher interest rates or demand a larger downpayment.
Please note that the contract you sign with a used car dealer on financing is binding and you are under no obligation to renegotiate. If a dealer insists on this then you can either void the deal, have them refund your deposit or you can take legal action against them.
Hidden Salvage/Rebuilt title Scams
I have also come across many instances where dishonest used car dealers conveniently avoid telling the buyer that the vehicle they want to purchase was salvaged or rebuilt after significant damage. The vehicle might have been declared totaled by an insurer and the dealer managed to resurrect through significant repairs or rebuilds. A thorough vehicle history check will help you avoid this scam.
How to Avoid Most Used Car Scams In Jackson Mi
There are a few tricks and things you need to know to avoid most of these scams in Jackson Michigan. The first and most important thing you must do is to do some background research on the seller or used car dealer.
Find out if they have any negative reviews on reputable platforms like the Better Business Bureau and Google My Business. Proceed with caution if you are buying from a private seller whose information is not easily available online.
Secondly, ensure you inspect the used vehicle carefully and possibly with the help of a car expert or trusted mechanic. Check all the things you need to check on the vehicle including its mileage, engine condition, bodywork, features, etc.
Ultimately, you have the power to say no or yes depending on what you or your consultant feels about the vehicle. All the best!
