How do you know if a used car dealership is trustworthy?  
February 25, 2012 7:13 PM    Subscribe

How do you know if a used car dealership is trustworthy? February 25, 2012 7:13 PM Subscribe Should I even bother looking for a car at a dealership? If so, how can I tell which dealerships will try to rip me off? I'm in the market for a new-to-me car, hoping to get something reasonable for around $5500. The first and last time I went to a car dealership to help a friend find a car about six months ago, they put us in this POS with a $5000 sticker on it. We drove it to a mechanic who said "This car was put together out of a junkyard. It has been in numerous accidents. Do not buy this car." I find that absolutely unacceptable. Knowing that dealerships will do this, why would anyone try to buy a car at one? What are good reasons for me to poke around a lot? How do I know if a dealership is trying to slip me a 3-accident corolla at the same price as a decent shaped one? posted by rebent to Shopping (19 answers total) 4 users marked this as a favorite I haven't bought that many cars in my life, but I have had the best luck at new-car dealerships with good used inventory, rather than exclusively used-car dealers. I would never go to a used-car dealer. Most dealerships list their inventory online now, so you can look for what you want and then go check it out. This also gives you a chance to run a Carfax report, since they usually list VIN numbers too. Carfax will at least tell you if the car has been totaled, if nothing else. Also, look beyond the brand that you want to buy; I got a used Nissan Altima from a Ford dealer once, and it was a great car. posted by cabingirl at 7:28 PM on February 25, 2012 [1 favorite] You know by doing what you did; taking the car to a 3rd party mechanic. Car buying sucks, but pre defined criteria helps beyond a set price range. posted by oceanjesse at 7:35 PM on February 25, 2012 It'd be hard to find one that didn't. Used cars generate major profits. That, and in the US the average age of cars on the road is rising. There is a shortage of used cars now, and the prices reflect that. It is not a good time to buy a used car. posted by narcoleptic at 7:37 PM on February 25, 2012 I've always found it useful to have a relationship with a car dealer. After twenty years in my community, working with the same dealer, the same sales person, I was able to purchase both new and used cars with a phone call, and trust I would get a decent car, a good price, and excellent service. It takes a while to develop that type of relationship, and, if you're new to purchasing cars, the best way might be to find someone who's already done that legwork (a relative, friend, boss, someone a bit older who has taken this route). Get a recommendation from someone local, ask them to make an introduction to a dealer/sales person that wants both their continued business, as well as yours. Not every dealer is out to shaft you. posted by HuronBob at 7:39 PM on February 25, 2012 [3 favorites] I just went through buying a used car, albeit my budget was significantly higher. The $5000-7000 range is quite tough. Lots of people want to get cars under $10K and as a result there are slim pickings. I ended up test roughly 12 driving cars at six different dealerships, and took two to my mechanic. The ones that I drove and decided against were either not to my liking (model, year, mileage or price) or had obvious issues. For instance: I drove a Nissan Frontier that was way off in alignment, indicating to me that it was either wrecked or not well taken care of. Of the two I took to my mechanic, the first was a no go. Mechanic found that the front end had been largely replaced, and there were some obvious defects with the repair. Not that it would help you, but the car I ended up buying was a certified pre-owned with a clean history and no issues at the mechanic. Then again, it was a $15K car. There are no certified pre-owned cars at $5K. With a car in your price range, expect to have to go to multiple dealerships. Beware any dealership that refuses to let you take a car to your mechanic. If the salesman are extra-pushy, feel free to walk away. Google "car salesman scams" and read up. The Consumerist has a lot of excellent articles. Read anything thoroughly before signing. posted by Mister Fabulous at 8:05 PM on February 25, 2012 You can't. Look, even at a good dealership, the sales person you work with might not know a damn thing about cars. Or even that particular car. The car is what the car is - almost all signs of trouble are there if you know how to find them. The quality of a dealership or salesperson is almost entirely unimportant in light of that fact. You need to rely on your own trusted sources of information about cars to determine if a given price on a particular auto is a good deal or not. If that source is not you, then a good mechanic is invaluable. But you need to assume that the dealership and the salesperson is unreliable and work from that. Even if you can assume that the salesperson is honest and helpful, you still need to be on your guard. Mistakes - honest to god mistakes - happen all the time. Typos on contracts, lost paperwork, etc, etc. So, even if you have an angel as your sales dude, you still need to watch the entire process closely. So, if you are unsure or whatever about a given car - it's fine! Time is on your side. Walk away and think about it. Look up that model and year on the internet. Learn more. The world is chock full of cars, and I promise they will make more. So, go do some research and shop around and get a good feel for whats available at your price point. I know a ton about cars and I would spend at least a week, and probably closer to a month shopping. So, take your time, and don't be pressured to buy if you're not satisfied with the purchase. posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 8:48 PM on February 25, 2012 [2 favorites]

Should I even bother looking for a car at a dealership? If so, how can I tell which dealerships will try to rip me off?

I'm in the market for a new-to-me car, hoping to get something reasonable for around $5500. 

The first and last time I went to a car dealership to help a friend find a car about six months ago, they put us in this POS with a $5000 sticker on it. We drove it to a mechanic who said "This car was put together out of a junkyard. It has been in numerous accidents. Do not buy this car." 

I find that absolutely unacceptable. Knowing that dealerships will do this, why would anyone try to buy a car at one? What are good reasons for me to poke around a lot? How do I know if a dealership is trying to slip me a 3-accident corolla at the same price as a decent shaped one?

posted by rebent to Shopping (19 answers total)  4 users marked this as a favorite

I haven't bought that many cars in my life, but I have had the best luck at new-car dealerships with good used inventory, rather than exclusively used-car dealers. I would never go to a used-car dealer.

Most dealerships list their inventory online now, so you can look for what you want and then go check it out. This also gives you a chance to run a Carfax report, since they usually list VIN numbers too. Carfax will at least tell you if the car has been totaled, if nothing else.

Also, look beyond the brand that you want to buy; I got a used Nissan Altima from a Ford dealer once, and it was a great car.
posted by cabingirl at 7:28 PM on February 25, 2012 [1 favorite] 

You know by doing what you did; taking the car to a 3rd party mechanic. Car buying sucks, but pre defined criteria helps beyond a set price range.
posted by oceanjesse at 7:35 PM on February 25, 2012 

It'd be hard to find one that didn't. Used cars generate major profits. That, and in the US the average age of cars on the road is rising. There is a shortage of used cars now, and the prices reflect that. It is not a good time to buy a used car.
posted by narcoleptic at 7:37 PM on February 25, 2012 

I've always found it useful to have a relationship with a car dealer. After twenty years in my community, working with the same dealer, the same sales person, I was able to purchase both new and used cars with a phone call, and trust I would get a decent car, a good price, and excellent service. It takes a while to develop that type of relationship, and, if you're new to purchasing cars, the best way might be to find someone who's already done that legwork (a relative, friend, boss, someone a bit older who has taken this route). Get a recommendation from someone local, ask them to make an introduction to a dealer/sales person that wants both their continued business, as well as yours. 

Not every dealer is out to shaft you.
posted by HuronBob at 7:39 PM on February 25, 2012 [3 favorites] 

I just went through buying a used car, albeit my budget was significantly higher. The $5000-7000 range is quite tough. Lots of people want to get cars under $10K and as a result there are slim pickings.

I ended up test roughly 12 driving cars at six different dealerships, and took two to my mechanic. The ones that I drove and decided against were either not to my liking (model, year, mileage or price) or had obvious issues. For instance: I drove a Nissan Frontier that was way off in alignment, indicating to me that it was either wrecked or not well taken care of. Of the two I took to my mechanic, the first was a no go. Mechanic found that the front end had been largely replaced, and there were some obvious defects with the repair.

Not that it would help you, but the car I ended up buying was a certified pre-owned with a clean history and no issues at the mechanic. Then again, it was a $15K car. There are no certified pre-owned cars at $5K.

With a car in your price range, expect to have to go to multiple dealerships. Beware any dealership that refuses to let you take a car to your mechanic. If the salesman are extra-pushy, feel free to walk away. Google "car salesman scams" and read up. The Consumerist has a lot of excellent articles. Read anything thoroughly before signing.
posted by Mister Fabulous at 8:05 PM on February 25, 2012 

You can't. 

Look, even at a good dealership, the sales person you work with might not know a damn thing about cars. Or even that particular car. The car is what the car is - almost all signs of trouble are there if you know how to find them.

The quality of a dealership or salesperson is almost entirely unimportant in light of that fact.

You need to rely on your own trusted sources of information about cars to determine if a given price on a particular auto is a good deal or not. If that source is not you, then a good mechanic is invaluable. But you need to assume that the dealership and the salesperson is unreliable and work from that.

Even if you can assume that the salesperson is honest and helpful, you still need to be on your guard. Mistakes - honest to god mistakes - happen all the time. Typos on contracts, lost paperwork, etc, etc. So, even if you have an angel as your sales dude, you still need to watch the entire process closely.

So, if you are unsure or whatever about a given car - it's fine! Time is on your side. Walk away and think about it. Look up that model and year on the internet. Learn more. The world is chock full of cars, and I promise they will make more. So, go do some research and shop around and get a good feel for whats available at your price point. 

I know a ton about cars and I would spend at least a week, and probably closer to a month shopping. So, take your time, and don't be pressured to buy if you're not satisfied with the purchase.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 8:48 PM on February 25, 2012 [2 favorites]

"Futures Financing, where we finance your future not your past"

How to Conduct a Pre-Purchase Inspection on a Used Car

It can be hard to know if buying a used car is a good deal. Inspect the body, tires, engine, and suspension to check if a used car is in good shape.

by Rocco Lovetere on 

 January 08, 2016

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Buying a car can be an overwhelming experience, and buying a used car requires extra vigilance and preparation. Focusing on five important physical categories before purchasing your next used car will help ensure you cover all of the most vital areas - and getting the best price. These five categories are: 

• Exterior
• Tires
• Interior
• Engine and transmission
• Steering and suspension

As a general rule, research the price of the car you're interested in so you know how much it should cost. Look at the range in cost for cars that are in very good condition and for those that are in poor condition. This way, you'll begin your search well prepared and with a good understanding of how much the price can fluctuate depending on the condition of the car.

Part 1 of 5: Inspect the exterior

Step 1: Inspect the underbody. Make sure the vehicle is on level ground and kneel down. Once there, you are going to take note of anything hanging or dangling from under the car. This is also a great time to inspect the underbody of the car for rust.

• Rust is caused by salt and can be due to the car being close to salt water air but it is also common in certain cold weather metropolitan areas (Chicago, for example). A car with rust is expensive to fix, so it is best to avoid any car with rust. 

Step 2: Inspect the outer body. There are two things to look out for: 

• Dents or dings: these decrease the value of the car depending on the severity. 
• Paint Imperfections or discoloration: the more perfect the paint, the higher the value. The paint should be uniform and not have waves. 

Step 3: Inspect the exterior lights. It is important to check for cracked or faded head and tail lights. Look for a haze on the plastic cover of the lights as this could be a sign of old lights needing restoration or replacement. 

• Ensure that all of the vehicle’s lights work properly, including the headlights, taillights, turn signal lights, reverse lights and license plate lights.

Step 4: Inspect the mirrors. From the outside, you want to make sure the windows and side mirrors are not cracked or missing. In some states it is illegal to drive with a cracked windshield. 

Step 5: Inspect the doors. Open and close all doors to ensure they work properly. 

Step 6: Inspect the interior. Pop the trunk open and look under the carpet for water damage. You can also smell for odors as water damage will smell like mildew. Be on the lookout for other water damage inside as this could be due to holes or other leakage in the trunk. 

Step 7: Check for frame damage. Finally, when checking out the exterior of the car, you want to be aware of any frame damage. Frame damage is a sign that the car was in an accident. Avoid purchasing cars that show signs of frame damage. 

• Carefully look over where the body parts and panels meet on the car. The space between the hood and the fender should be small and close. All of the body panels should be aligned and uniformed and match up like a puzzle. If they do not, that could mean a repair or replacement. 
• Door hinges and bolt heads should be free of scratches. Scratches mean they have been touched.
• Be aware of welds. Sloppy welds that do not fit together could indicate frame damage. They should also be uniform.
• Compare the age of the car to the parts on it. If the car looks one age, but a part looks significantly newer, there is a good chance it was repaired or replaced. 

Part 2 of 5: Inspect the tires

It is important to check the condition of the tires. This will allow you to understand not only how much life is left, but it also tells you if the car has suspension or alignment problems.

There are three things to consider when checking tires:

Age: All tires have what is known as a Department of Transportation or DOT number. You will find it on the side wall of the tire and it will tell you the week and year that the tire was made. You can compare this date to the wear of tread to determine the condition of the tires. 

Life: Tires come equipped with wear indicators to inform you when the tire’s tread is running low. If the tread and the wear indicator are even or close to, the tires need to be replaced. 

Evenness: This will reveal if the car has suspension or alignment problems. You want to make sure that the tire tread is running evenly by looking over the tire evenness. One way to do this is to run your hand to physically back and forth over the tire, making sure it feels even.

Part 3 of 5: Inspect the engine and transmission

Step 1: Make sure that the hood opens and shuts properly. It is also important to verify that the hood prop, whether a hood strut or hood stand, can hold open the hood securely. 

Step 2: Visually inspect engine. Visually look over the engine, check for overall cleanliness as this can reveal maintenance.

Step 3: Check the engine fluids.

• It is vital to check that the car’s fluids are full. You will want to check and pull the oil and transmission dipsticks. Engine oil should be clear in color. Dirty oil is dark brown or black. The transmission oil should be pink or orange in color. If it smells burnt or is black in color, this could be a sign of lack of maintenance and possible transmission damage.
• Next check the brake fluid level and color. It should be clear. If it is black or brown then it is dirty and could lead to the feel of a spongy pedal. 
• Now we can check the coolant in the expansion tank. If it looks rusty, this is indicative that there is more water than coolant in the tank. Coolant leaks can be various colors depending on vehicle manufacturer. 
• If the engine is cold you can open the radiator cap and check the fluid there. However is very important that it is only opened when the car has been still and the engine is cold to avoid possible injury from radiator pressure. 
• If you do see liquid or stains anywhere in the engine area, it is highly recommended to have a mechanic look over the spots and verify why there are there. 

Step 4: Check the engine belts. 

• Be sure to check the alternator, power steering, and AC accessory belts for cracks. If the brand name on the belt is worn off, it is a good indication of an old belt. This shows lack of maintenance and possible future costs after you purchase the car. 
• Verify with the current owner the last time the timing belt was changed. You are unable to view the timing belt without taking apart the engine, so it is best to get as much information about the state of the belt as possible. A timing belt can be costly to replace. 

Step 5: Start vehicle. Start the vehicle, leave it in park with the parking brake on and return to the engine. As you listen, if it sounds as if it is running rough, or if the engine itself is jerking around, it could be indication of worn out engine mounts or a misfire. Any abnormal noises like metal on metal, pinging, or clanking should be addressed as these could be signs of an exhaust leak or other problem. 

Part 4 of 5: Inspect the interior

Turn off the car and turn the key to the on position. Verify all dashboard lights are working, especially your check engine light. If a light does not come on, it is likely a bulb is burnt. Start car and make sure all lights now go away. If a light stays on this is indicative of a problem and needs a mechanic to look it over. 

Step 1: Make sure everything works inside. Test the following components:

• AC (air conditioning) and heater
• Radio
• Dome lights
• Moon roof or sunroof open and close properly
• Make sure the seat adjusts properly and that all seat belts are present and in working condition
• Verify windows roll up and down properly
• Check for quality and condition of carpet. Be aware of rips, tears, stains or faded upholstery. 
• Check for cracks on dashboard and center console

Part 5 of 5: Inspect the steering and suspension

Now it is time to test drive the car. You will want to drive the car not only on city streets, but also on a freeway to get a good feeling of how the car handles at lower and higher speeds.

Step 1: Check the steering and suspension. Things to look out for on the test drive:

• Check for blind spots. Sometimes you think a car is for you until you sit in it and realize there are too many blind spots for you to feel comfortable. 
• Before driving off, use the steering wheel to face wheels forward. Turn the steering wheel to the right and count how many turns it takes to stop, then do same to left. The amount of wheel turns should match the opposite side, for example, if there were 3 turns on the right, there should be three turns on the left, not three then two. If they do not match, this could indicate steering problems.
• While driving, check for quality vehicle steering and the comfort of suspension. The steering should be tight. Make a series of left and right turns, drive over speed bumps, make U-turns and see how car handles.
• Be sure to listen for noises and feel that the ride is smooth. Noise and rough rides could be indicative of suspension problems. 

Step 2: Take note of other components. 

• Brakes. Test the brakes on the test drive. Brakes that are pulsating while driving mean warped rotors. Want to feel a secure stop when you brake aggressively so you can feel how the weight of the car is being supported by the suspension, not a lurching forward, if it does lurch forward it’s a sign of weak shock absorbers. 
• Tires. Like your hands, the tires can feel everything through vibration so you will want to listen for abnormal tire noise. Loud noise can indicate old tires or bad wheel bearings. If you feel the car and the tires pulling left or right, this could be bad alignment. 
• Gear selector. Make sure the shifter moves into all gears smoothly. Step on the gas pedal and make sure the car accelerates smoothly and with appropriate power. Shaking or shimming can be a sign of engine or suspension trouble. 
• Windows: Listen for wind noise when windows are up (this can be due to a bad window seal).

After your test drive, give the car another look over. Once you have gone through these steps, you will be better informed on what price to offer for a used car, along with avoiding those that will get you into more trouble. It always recommend to have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, but whatever you decide to do, we hope you feel confident that you are now making the most informed decision.

Original article can be found @ https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-conduct-a-pre-purchase-inspection-on-a-used-car

"Futures financing where we finance your future not your past"

THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE

We all know that regular maintenance is important to keep our cars running safely and efficiently, but what does this entail and why is it so important?

Regular maintenance (including oil changes, tune-ups, and brake inspections) is a wise investment. It is as important to your car as regular doctor visits are to us. Cars that are well taken care of are safer, get better gas mileage, more dependable, perform better, and last longer.

So what items need to be maintained regularly? Check your car’s manual, but AAA recommends the following:

• Tire pressure and lights should be checked monthly
• Chassis lubrication, oil change with filter should be done every 3000 to 5000 miles or every 3 to 4 months
• Belts and hoses should be inspected at the same time your oil is changed
• Tires should be rotated and wheels balanced at every other oil change
• Brakes should be inspected at every other oil change
• Air filter should be replaced every 12,000 to 24,000 miles or as indicated by inspection
• Fuel filter should be replaced every 24,000 to 100,000 miles
• Automatic transmissions should be serviced every 24,000 to 100,000 miles
• Wheel alignment should be checked every 12,000 to 24,000 miles or as indicated by tire wear
• Cooling system should be flushed and refilled every 40,000 to 100,000 miles
• Belts and hoses should be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or 5 to 8 years
• Timing belt should be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or 5 to 8 years
• Air conditioning should be checked every spring to make sure it’s working properly

Tip: When getting your car serviced or comparing prices, make sure you are comparing apples to apples and not apples to oranges. For example, when replacing a timing belt on some cars, your mechanic may recommend and include prices for a water pump and some seals since the extra labor is minimal (30 minutes) and to do it later could take four or more hours. Also, some shops may get you in for a low price on a timing belt and then let you know about the water pump after they’ve gone under the hood. Their price may not be as competitive in the end.

Another plug for routine maintenance: We had a customer bring his car in because it was running very poorly. He was pleased that his car had lasted so long and he hadn’t had to put any money into having repairs done. Well, after thoroughly inspecting the car, it needed more than two thousand dollars worth of work done to get it back on the road, not including the new transmission it required. He decided to buy a new car. Now we see him regularly for preventative maintenance.

We rely on our vehicles to get us to work, take us on a trip, and take our kids to school, playdates, and practice. Take care of your car, so it can take care of you.

You can see and read the original article here:

http://www.helmings.com/2012/06/19/importance-of-regular-maintenance/

Futures financing inc. @2650 W Alameda Ave Denver CO 80219 (303) 934 1823 futuresfinancing.com

"FUTURES FINANCING INC, WHERE WE FINANCE YOUR FUTURE NOT YOUR PAST"

It's that time again, here are some helpful hints on how to prepare your vehicle for spring

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It's Time To Start Preparing Your Car For Spring

Take advantage of warming weather to perform some easy checks on your ride

• LICENSE

Winter weather is hard on your car. Here's how to minim...

Stan Markuze

It may be hard to picture right now, especially if you live in the Midwest or Northeast, but spring is right around the corner. This means it's time to start thinking about getting your vehicle ready for warmer weather.

The winter can be hard on your car, and this year was especially bad in many parts of the country. The frigid temperatures and harsh road conditions take a serious toll on your ride. So it's important to take care of some basic maintenance issues before they turn into expensive and dangerous problems.

Here are six things that you should check now that the polar vortexes are waning. Doing so can save you time and money down the line.

1. Check your wheel alignment

Proper wheel alignment allows your car to handle properly. It also means that your tires won't wear out prematurely. If you notice your car constantly pulls to one side or doesn't drive straight ahead when your steering wheel is centered, then it might be a good idea to visit a local alignment shop.

A $75 alignment can improve your car's handling, and prevent you from having to spend hundreds on a premature set of tires.

2. Check your tire tread

Checking your tire tread is something you should do several times a year. It's important to make sure that you have adequate tire tread, and that the wear is even. To check tread depth, simply place the edge a penny into the tread of each tire, near the center. If the tread doesn't cover any portion of Honest Abe's head, you likely need new tires. Also, if there is excessive wear on the edge of any tires, it may be time for a new set and a four-wheel alignment.

3. Make sure your battery is strong

Cold weather is particularly harmful for car batteries. Your battery can deteriorate very quickly if you live in a harsh climate, becoming much less reliable as a consequence. If your battery is more than four years old and sometimes takes a few seconds to start your motor, you should take it to your local auto parts supplier to get tested and, if necessary, replaced.

4. Top off your coolant

As temperatures rise, it's important to make sure your car's engine is getting adequately cooled. If the coolant light on your dash has been illuminated or if you simply haven't checked the coolant level in a while, open up the hood and make sure the fluid is at the proper level. Most cars have a fluid level gauge, so consult your owner's manual to find out how to check the level on your particular model. Make sure you only open the coolant cap when your car is cool. Opening the cap when your car has been driven can be very dangerous.

5. Check your brakes

Before taking long road trips during the spring and summer, make sure your car has enough remaining brake life. If the brake check lamp is illuminated on your instrument cluster, or if your car's braking is noisy or rough, then there's a good chance you need new pads. If you're not sure, you can sometimes observe the level of your brake pads by simply looking between the spokes of your wheels. If you suspect your brakes may be worn out, find a trustworthy mechanic to do a thorough inspection.

6. Clean!

Clean and vacuum the inside of your car. Cold weather has likely led to a buildup of gunk and miscellaneous items that you promised you'd clean once the weather got warmer. That time has come. Lug the vacuum to your garage, driveway or parking space and give the interior a nice big cleanse. You'll feel so much better after you do.

Next, move on to the outside of your car. If you're washing it yourself, make sure that you have soap that's specifically meant for cars and never wash your car in direct sunlight. Use a hose with a mist-spray nozzle to wet down the car and wash away debris. Using a bucket with tepid water and soap, sponge down all areas of the car gently, rinsing the sponge frequently. Do the fender and bumper areas last. Blast the undercarriage and wheel wells with the hose to remove as much salt buildup as you can. Then, dry the vehicle lightly with a chamois or natural-fiber drying cloth.

Stay away from automated, commercial car washes on busy, winter-thaw days. Many of them recycle their water to the point that they're washing with a salty solution.

Stan Markuze is the founder of PartMyRide, the online marketplace for used original auto parts.

Awesome article Stan, you're an asset to the automotive community. For the original article click here.

Futures Financing inc, @ 2650 W. Alameda Ave Denver CO 80219 (303)-934-1823

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