Auto Buyer Beware of Used Cars For Sale By Owner

Used cars for sale by owner accompany more uncertainties than buying from an auto dealer specializing in pre-owned vehicles. Auto buyers are often under the misconception that they have more control of the sales transaction and negotiations with an owner. But, that’s not always the case. Fraudsters prey on unsuspecting auto buyers

Four Common ‘For Sale By Owner’ Ploys

Odometer rollback

A savvy for sale by owner can always rollback the odometer reading to ask for a greater used car price. In a used cars for sale by owner transaction, a buyer has no way of validating whether a vehicle’s odometer has been modified. With an auto dealer, car consumers have resources, as well as recourse if a vehicle does not live up to its mileage history.

Title Fraud

In certain for sale by owner sales transactions, auto buyers don’t always have the vehicle’s automobile’s title. The title issue can morph into a legal fiasco for the auto buyer.

Curb-stoning

One common fraud technique involves an imposter, posing as private auto seller. In actuality, the “used cars for sale by owner” is really a unlicensed dealer, repetitively “flipping” vehicles and profiting. The fraud is referred to as curbstoning.

Read more about the signs of curbstoning: http://www.carfax.com/guides/buying-used/things-to-avoid/curbstoning

Falsified Vehicle History

Another unsavory tactic, often deployed in a used car for sale by owner transaction is a failure to disclose a vehicle’s history. An auto buyer has no way of knowing if pre-owned vehicle consists of salvaged parts. In contrast, it is illegal (in most states) for auto dealers to sell salvaged vehicles.

Buy your vehicle with confidence at the premier new and used auto dealer in Fremont, Siemer Auto Center.