Avoid These Used Car Scams! Insider Tips from a Car Dealer
Jul 17, 2024
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Brandon, a seasoned used car dealer, shares insights on common scams, economic impact on car prices, and tips for buying used cars. Topics include certified pre-owned cars, reputable dealers, car auctions, using Carfax, market trends, best time to buy, financing, salvage titles, online dealers, and COVID impact.
Tax season spikes car prices in wholesale market, impacting auction rush and dealer spending.
Certified pre-owned cars offer warranties but may not justify extra cost compared to self-inspections.
Research is vital to verify used car dealer reliability, recommending trustworthy mechanic inspections for fair pricing.
Deep dives
The Impact of Seasonality on Car Prices
Car prices in the wholesale market fluctuate due to seasonality in the car market. During tax season, prices soar as customers receive tax refunds, leading to a rush at auctions and increased spending by car dealers. The ripple effect results in an influx of inventory and price volatility.
Insights on Buying Used Cars
Buying used cars offers more options, including purchasing from individuals or public auctions. While new cars require dealership transactions, used cars demand thorough checks due to varied maintenance histories. Certified pre-owned cars offer warranties and dealer checks but may not justify the extra cost compared to self-inspections.
Ensuring the Reputation of Used Car Dealers
Determining the reliability of used car dealers can be challenging as there is no definitive list of reputable dealers. Researching through Google reviews may help, but fabricated reviews can mislead. Advisable to engage a trustworthy mechanic to inspect a used car before buying to ensure fair pricing and quality.
Navigating the Salvage Title Conundrum
Salvage title cars pose a dual dilemma—a potential bargain or a risky purchase. While salvaged vehicles can offer significant discounts if professionally repaired, identifying structural damage or poor repairs remains a challenge. Consumer expertise or professional assessment is crucial when considering a salvage title vehicle.
Trends in the Used EV Market
The used electric vehicle (EV) market faces declining prices and sluggish sales, influenced by continual price reductions by manufacturers like Tesla. Challenges include excess inventory, decreased adoption rates, and rental companies selling off EV fleets. Market dynamics suggest opportunities for buyers amid pricing fluctuations.
In this episode of Wealthion, host Andrew Brill interviews Brandon, a seasoned used car dealer and YouTube sensation known for his channel "Car Questions Answered."
Brandon shares invaluable insights on how to navigate the tricky world of used car buying, revealing common scams, the impact of current economic conditions on car prices, and essential tips for ensuring you don't get ripped off.
Whether you're in the market for an affordable vehicle or simply want to stay informed about the latest trends and risks in the used car industry, this episode is packed with practical advice and insider knowledge. Don't miss Brandon's expert recommendations on what to look for, how to verify car quality, and the best time to make a purchase.
TIME STAMPS:
00:00 - Introduction
02:58 - Used vs New Cars
04:41 - Certified Pre-Owned: Worth It?
06:18 - Finding Reputable Dealers
09:17 - Car Auctions and Mechanics
11:21 - Using Carfax and KBB
13:16 - Car Market Trends
15:11 - Best Time to Buy a Car
16:38 - Impact of Economy on Car Sales
19:50 - New vs Used Car Dealers
22:09 - Financing Used Cars
24:55 - Online Car Dealers
26:54 - Salvage Titles
29:17 - Increase in Repossessions
31:01 - Unique Car Auctions
33:20 - Checking Car Titles
33:35 - Used EV Market
35:31 - Interest Rate Cuts and Car Sales
37:32 - COVID Impact on Car Sales
39:35 - Final Advice
40:45 - Where to Find Brandon
41:32 - Conclusion