How much research should a consumer do before buying a used
car?
Consumer Research
We can search for and read consumer reviews from several
good websites such as Edmunds and Cars.com about the year, make and model of a
car. We can spend hours evaluating those reviews. These reviews are generally frank
and to the point. It is the consumer’s opinion about the specific vehicle,
after reading reviews, if that vehicle is reliable or not. For instance, a
consumer can read 10 reviews on one review site and five are positive and five
are negative. He or she can also read 10
reviews on another review website where six are positive and four are negative.
That’s 20 consumer reviews read. Which reviews should the consumer believe? And
should the consumer search for even more information about the vehicle, such as
recalls for the vehicle, known mechanical issues for the vehicle? How many
consumers do that? It is the consumer’s choice to spend the time to do that or
not.
The Used Car Dealer’s Responsibility
Used car dealers have a responsibility too. When a dealer
takes in a used car, they should take the time and expense to be sure that
vehicle is operable and safe. All defects should be clearly noted on the
vehicle’s documentation. US Media Studios has heard dealers’ standard reply “we
wouldn’t sell you an unsafe car because we know it means possible lawsuits or
the return of the vehicle.” In that case, why even put the vehicle up for sale
if it could mean possible litigation or return of the vehicle? It is far easier
and more profitable for the used car salesperson to sell a vehicle with open
recalls and known defects and make commission than steer a consumer away from
an unsafe, unreliable vehicle. It is
their innate responsibility to know everything about that vehicle. If a
consumer expresses an interest with the vehicle, wouldn’t it be wise to do more
than make cosmetic and cheap fixes, such as replacing windshield wipers? Would
it be too expensive and time consuming to check the tire pressure, run it
through a thorough mechanical and safety evaluation, before selling it to a
consumer?
Bottom Line
There are two parties in a vehicle sale: consumer and
dealer. Both parties should be transparent about the plusses and minuses of the
vehicle of choice. No one wants to see a driver or passenger injured or killed
due to faulty parts in the sold vehicle. That said, each US state also needs to
step up and enact specific laws to protect consumers from bad car sales. A
consumer’s life is more valuable the dealer’s profits. CBS News has a great article on car sales in Florida, and the link for the National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration to search before buying a used car is very useful.
