Whether you’re PCSing to a new duty station, buying your first vehicle after basic training, or replacing a family car after a cross-country move, purchasing a used car can be stressful.
Military families often have limited time to shop, and scammers know that. However, if you are in the market for a used car but are worried about being scammed, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Not all dealerships are out to get you, and not every seller on Facebook Marketplace is a scammer. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need to be careful.
Buying a used car can be time-consuming and exhausting because of all the homework involved. You’ll need to research the vehicle, contact the seller, review its history, inspect it, test-drive it, and then exchange your hard-earned dollars for a title with your fingers crossed that you didn’t buy a lemon.
Fortunately, if you’re careful, and remember these seven tips, you will be able to be a little more educated when you start your car-shopping process.
1. Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection
If you find a used car that you like, make sure to get a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) done. Most auto repair shops will do a pre-purchase inspection, which includes a qualified mechanic looking at various parts of the car (under the hood, the undercarriage, and the interior), then scanning it with an on-board diagnostic (OBD) scanner to check for any error codes or issues.
The inspection also includes a test drive, which allows the mechanic to check how the car drives, handles, and stops.
Afterward, the mechanic will give you a report to let you know of any repairs it needs and how much they will cost. This inspection will give you peace of mind that the car you’re buying is in good shape.
If the car doesn’t check out, or needs to many repairs, paying the $150 to $250 for the PPI can easily save you thousands.
2. If the Price Is Too Good to Be True, It Probably is
Facebook Marketplace is a popular place to buy and sell cars. There are plenty of deals to be had on there. However, the Marketplace is also known for scams, which is typically indicative of the very attractive prices on some of the cars posted on there.
That means that if you find a car that is below the market value (as evaluated by Kelley Blue Book or J.D. Power), there is a good chance the seller could be a scammer looking to somehow pocket your money. In that case, it’s better to walk away.
3. Never Pay a Deposit
If a private seller asks you to pay a deposit, don’t do it.
Some online private sellers may ask you to pay a deposit via Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal, before even seeing the car. As you can likely guess, if you do that, you may never see your money again.
4. Pay in Person
If you’re purchasing a car from a private seller, it’s best to pay upfront using cash or a cashier’s check.
Some sellers may ask you to use online payments like Venmo or Zelle, but in doing so, you may face payment delays and it could expose you to tech-savvy scammers who can get your account information. Instead, meeting at your bank and exchanging money and getting a bill of sale is a better idea.
5. Check the Vehicle History Report
Although a vehicle history report from Carfax or AutoCheck isn’t perfect, it can reveal red flags such as flood damage, salvage branding, odometer rollbacks, or major accidents.
Compare the report to the seller’s description of the vehicle.
6. Meet in a Safe Public Place
When buying from a private seller, always meet during daylight hours in a busy public location. Many police departments offer “safe exchange zones” specifically for transactions like this.
Avoid meeting in secluded parking lots or allowing the seller to pressure you into changing locations at the last minute.
7. Don’t Let the Seller Rush You
Scammers often create urgency by saying things like, “Someone else is coming in an hour, or “I have three other buyers.” A legitimate seller may have other interested buyers, but you should never feel pressured to skip an inspection, vehicle history report, or test drive.
If you’re being rushed, it’s usually a sign to slow down.
Be Careful When Buying Before a PCS
Many service members try to buy a vehicle before arriving at their next duty station. Unfortunately, scammers often post fake listing using stolen photos and ask buyers to send deposits to “hold” the vehicle.
If you can’t inspect the car yourself, ask a trusted friend or family member nearby to look at it, or wait until you arrive. Never wire money or pay a deposit for a vehicle you’ve never seen in person.
Buying a used car doesn’t have to be risky. Taking a little extra time to inspect the vehicle, verify the paperwork, and research the seller can help you avoid expensive mistakes. Whether you’re settling into a new duty station or simply looking for reliable transportation, patience is one of the best tools you have when shopping for a used vehicle.
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