Not everyone wants or needs a new car. Some families buy a used car as a second car, or even for the teenagers as they come of age. Others just prefer to buy a car whose depreciation has already been maxed out. When the time comes to go car shopping, they all check out used car dealers.

Over the years used car salesmen have been vilified in movies and TV. They have been portrayed as thugs, idiots, socially inadequate and mentally slow. However, many consumers have had dealings with some used car salespeople whom they believe are the perfect candidates for some of today’s reality shows about used car lots.

How many complaints can be taken seriously, though? Are these people really as bad as the media have made them out to be? Are all the consumer complaints true? Or embellished? Probably a mixture of both. Consumers all too often forget they played a large role in the bad deal they just got.

Many buyers buy with their eyes and their hearts. Their brains go into neutral once they see some original leather seating or a collector’s hood ornament. They sign paperwork they haven’t read thoroughly and they believe every word the salesman said during the negotiation process. When the car breaks down or the first bill comes, they are shocked to find out they didn’t get the deal they thought.

Is this the dealer’s fault? Only partially. He may have lied to you, but unless he was committing out and out fraud behind the scenes, it’s up to the consumer to read and understand everything he signs before driving off in the vehicle. Consumers are responsible for making sure that everything that was agreed up or promised is in writing. When it comes to buying a car, there’s no such thing as handshake agreements or offline promises. If they won’t put it in writing, there’s a reason, and it’s not one in your best interest.

Financing is another area that people tend to complain about when dealing with used vehicles. Yes, used car loans have higher APRs. It’s not the fault of the dealership although they will certainly try to get you to finance through them because they get commissions from the lenders for each loan. These loans cost more because the lenders are taking a higher risk. Too many people walk away from an older used car if it breaks down, and the lender absorbs the loss.

Before getting excited about a particular car, do your research. Bring your laptop with you if you can, and let the salesman know you are researching a particular vehicle. Check blue book pricing, recalls, consumer reviews, MPG, etc.

Don’t expect much information on a specific car from your salesman. He can’t possibly be an expert in every model out there. If you want specifics, you’re on your own. Get test drive, a CarFax report, and a certification from an independent mechanic saying the odometer has not been tampered with. If possible, bring your own mechanic with you so he can look at it before even writing a check for a deposit.

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Category: Automotive
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