used
Under certain circumstances, it's best to "walk away" from a used-car dealership, the city Department of Consumer Affairs advises. (Staten Island Advance file photo)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Let the buyer beware (caveat emptor), the ancient Latin adage warns.
If you're in the market for a used car, check out these tips from the city Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), and take note of three circumstances when you should simply "walk away" from the dealership.
- Check the dealership's license status and complaint history. All used car dealerships must be licensed by DCA. You can search for a licensee online at nyc.gov/consumers[1]. You can also call 311 to learn more about a business' license status or to check its complaint history.
- Beware of "bait and switch" advertising. Ads that promise savings, rates that are too good to be true, or cars that aren't actually available when you get there are illegal. If you feel pressured, walk away.
- Examine the car carefully. Get a vehicle history report at vehiclehistory.gov, take a test drive, and have an independent mechanic check the car. If the dealer won't let you, walk away.[2]
- Say no to "add-ons" and options. Paint and fabric protection, rust-proofing, extra security systems, extended warranties, etc., are cheaper when bought separately. Ask for your monthly payments with and without the extra options. Before you sign a contract or pay any money, make sure no extra fees have been added and don't buy anything you don't want.
- Don't negotiate based on a monthly payment. Negotiate the best price for the car at the lowest interest rate and for the fewest number of payments. Don't believe dealers who say you must finance through them.
- Ask whether the interest rate includes a dealer markup. If so, ask for the interest rate offered by the lender. Although no law prevents the dealer from marking up the interest rate, you may be able to negotiate the amount.
- Review the contract carefully. In New York City, you have 48 hours to look over a contract while the dealer holds the car. If the dealer is pressuring you to buy the car, walk away.
- Never sign a blank, partially blank, or unclear contract. Cross out any empty spaces so they can't be filled in after you sign, and never sign a contract if you don't understand the terms.
- Don't give a dealer any money before you sign the contract, not even a "deposit."
- Never buy a car "as is." Under the New York State Lemon Law, used car dealers must provide written warranties on used cars that cost more than $1,500 or that have less than 100,000 miles. The warranty covers the engine, transmission, drive axle, brakes, radiator, steering and alternator. (The law does not cover motorcycles, motor homes, off-road vehicles, or used cars purchased from an individual.)
| Mileage | Warranty |
|---|---|
| 0 - 36,000 | 90 days or 4,000 miles |
| 36,001 - 79,999 | 60 days or 3,000 miles |
| 80,000 - 100,000 | 30 days or 1,000 miles |
- Get copies of all paperwork. Don't leave without copies of everything that you signed always keep them. Also keep receipts for any repairs.
- File a complaint. If you have a problem with a dealership, file a complaint with DCA at nyc.gov/consumers[3] or by contacting 311.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM RECALLED CARS
- Check if the used car you are buying has any unrepaired safety defects. Ask the dealer for the vehicle identification number (VIN) and contact an authorized dealership to ask if safety recall repairs have been made. You can search safercar.gov[4] by VIN to determine if a specific vehicle was subject to recall and whether the appropriate repairs were performed. You can also download the SaferCar App for iPhone[5] devices to check for recall and complaint information.
- Before you buy a used car, ask the dealership what their policy is for selling vehicles that have been recalled. Even if the dealer tells you they won't sell a recalled car, you should do your own research.
- Get the used car you are buying inspected by an independent mechanic. Do not buy a car if the dealer will not let you have it inspected or if the dealer tries to sell you a car "as is." Many safety defects will not be identified during a standard inspection so you should also check for recalls.
- Notify the manufacturer that you are the new owner when you buy a used car or if your contact information changes. If you are the original purchaser or registered owner, the manufacturer will contact you directly if your vehicle is recalled. You can also subscribe for email alerts at safercar.gov[6] for future safety recalls.
- Have safety-related defects repaired immediately. If you bought a used car that was recalled for a safety defect but was not repaired when you bought it, you have the right to request that the dealer repair the car or pay for the repairs. If you are buying a used car that has been recalled and the dealership won't repair it prior to sale, file a complaint with DCA. If you are the original owner of a recalled car, contact the manufacturer immediately to have the defect repaired; the manufacturer will repair the car free of charge if the vehicle is less than 10 years old and the repair is made by an authorized dealer.
- Don't wait for a recall letter if your car shows signs of a problem; take it to the dealer or a mechanic. You should also file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at safercar.gov[7] or by calling 888-327-4236.
References
- ^ nyc.gov/consumers (www1.nyc.gov)
- ^ vehiclehistory.gov (www.vehiclehistory.gov)
- ^ nyc.gov/consumers (www1.nyc.gov)
- ^ safercar.gov (www.safercar.gov)
- ^ iPhone (itunes.apple.com)
- ^ safercar.gov (www.safercar.gov)
- ^ safercar.gov (www.safercar.gov)
Source ↔ Free MP3 Music
