WIth income tax refund and tax rebate checks on the way, some of the less reputable used car dealerships are looking forward to taking advantage of the unwary. We receive more calls from people who have made bad used car purchases this time of year than at any other time. Here are a few tips to stay out of trouble:
Check the "book value" of a car BEFORE you buy. Used car guides can be found in any public library.
Check with your bank or credit union to see if you qualify for financing with them. You will usually save money, and it is much harder for a dealership to mislead you if you are paying them cash.
If you are financing the car at a dealership, federal law requires them to let you take the loan disclosure papers with you BEFORE you sign the papers if you are financing less than $25,000. If a dealership refuses to let you do that, then you should seek legal counsel.
Have a mechanic check out the car before you commit to anything. If the dealership won't allow it, then it is time for you to move on.
Consider buying from a private seller. You will usually save money. But be sure that the seller isn't really in the business and only "pretending" to be the owner. Ask to see the title and make sure it is in the name of the person that you are dealing with. And, there will not be any warranty in a private sale, so having a mechanic check it out is really important.
Do not sign ANYTHING unless you completely understand what it says. Do not accept a dealership's explanation. If you don't understand it, then ask someone you trust to explain it to you.
Consumer Law Group, LLC 35 Cold Spring Road, Suite 512 Rocky Hill, CT 06067 860 571-0408 fax: 860 571-7457 Contact Us
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