You have been saving for months to finally purchase the car of your dreams. Now comes the whole car buying stress-filled experience. The economy is down and people will do anything to make a quick buck. Also, with widespread flooding from hurricanes like 2005’s Katrina and this year’s Hurricane Irene, it’s important to know your states lemon laws and what to look for to avoid purchasing a lemon. Avoid the headache and hassle, not to mention the hit to your pocketbook! One wrong decision may leave you in debt for years. Follow these quick tips to cover your bases and avoid purchasing a lemon:
1. Do Your Research – Before you head to the dealership, make sure you know what you’re looking for. Know the make and model you’re interested in and what a reasonable price should be. If the car you’re looking at is priced well below book value, there may be a reason.
2. Make a Thorough Inspection – Give the vehicle a detailed look-over. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Be sure to get any information out of the dealer you need. Bring a checklist with you, and look for some of the following:
- Water damaged carpets, especially in hard to clean places, like under seats. Check for a musty smell.
- Headlights that have been submerged could have a visible water line
- Gravel, mud or other debris not cleaned out from under the hood or hard-to-reach places
- Tests electrical features, as many as possible, for malfunctions in performance
- Mismatched paint is a sign that the car has been repainted and could mean serious issues such as major body work.
3. Bring a 3rd Party Along – It can be easy to fall in love with your dream car online and miss a few things when you inspect it in person. Bring an impartial friend who can observe and inspect, too. An extra pair of eyes always helps!
4. Get the Maintenance Records – Ask for any maintenance and service records, and get a CarFax or AutoCheck report. If any issue related to flood or water damage arises, you probably want to steer clear of that vehicle.
5. Have a Mechanic Inspect the Vehicle – A quality, trusted mechanic can be an invaluable asset. Many mechanical and electrical problems can’t be seen with your naked eye. A mechanic can check inside door panels and elsewhere for any sign of water damage. This extra cost up-front can save you a lot later on.
If you’re in the market for a new or used car, make sure you know what you’re getting into. Federal regulations apply, but each state also has its own used car lemon law. Be informed; don’t find yourself swimming in debt from costly surprise expenses! If you feel that you have been duped into purchasing a lemon, it is advisable to contact a consumer fraud attorney to review the details.
Larry P. Smith & Associates, a Chicago Law Firm, focus on consumer rights protection. If you are having difficulties with bankruptcy, debt collection or consumer fraud, request a free case review with Larry P. Smith & Associates.
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