When buying a used car, there are a variety of “lemons” that should be avoided. While most car buyers do not want to think that sellers are being dishonest, even slight manipulations and exaggerations can make a low-quality or even dangerous vehicle seem like a viable purchase. Buyers should always check legitimate sources and should perform their research and testing of potential car purchases.
The following are the top 5 Lemons to avoid:
1. Rolling Back the Odometer
While this trick seems obvious, it is actually still used with surprising frequency. Many used car salesmen, and even those selling their vehicles, respond to the desire for lower mileage vehicles by turning back older odometers. Even digital odometers are increasingly easy to “roll back”, frequently using software that was created to correct an odometer’s reading. Vehicles that have had their odometers rolled back have a much higher risk of damage and will require significant repairs much sooner than expected.
So, how can a scrupulous buyer avoid this type of Lemon? Buyers should always do their research when purchasing a used car, especially when they have reason to believe that a potential vehicle is suspicious in any way. Potential buyers have the full right to view any paperwork associated with the vehicle, and should check that everything matches up appropriately. Buyers should also check the vehicle’s tires and pedals for wear. Additionally, and especially if a buyer has significant suspicions, cars can be checked against used car reports and odometer checks to see that all information matches up.
2. Vehicles that have been in Significant Accidents or Suffered Other Significant Frame Damage
When a vehicle has been in a severe accident, it is reported to the state and frequently deemed unfit to sell. However, many unscrupulous sellers will attempt to perform repairs and resell the vehicle. These types of vehicles can be highly costly, as internal damage may require significant future repairs. They can also be very dangerous, as the entire structure of the vehicle can be compromised. Vehicles that have suffered frame damage are particularly dangerous to drive, as they significantly compromise the vehicle’s integrity. Furthermore, many salesmen attempt to repair damaged vehicles with parts that may not fit the vehicle or use questionable repair services or methods. In case of a future accident, even a minor one, the driver can be severely injured.
Buyers can avoid buying this type of vehicle by performing their own inspection of the vehicle and by consulting with professional car repair services. Further, most vehicles that have suffered significant damage are registered online and with state vehicle services. By checking these sources, buyers can avoid buying a compromised vehicle and ensure their safety and finances.
3. Flood-Damaged Vehicles
While this type of lemon is more specifically located, particularly in the Midwest, it is relatively common throughout the country. Especially in areas where floods occur regularly, or those that have suffered particularly large floods or similar natural disasters, sellers will attempt to take advantage of unaware buyers. While some sellers try to gut and repair these types of vehicles, they may still have significant aesthetic problems and more serious internal issues.
Buyers should check for possible rust damage, especially in the trunk and glove compartment, and for moisture in other compartments of the vehicle. Many of these types of vehicles will have water damage and even lingering moisture in the lights and in the windows. Vehicles with automatic windows may show slowed window mechanisms and squeaking. Additionally, buyers should check with a professional if they suspect flood damage to a potential vehicle purchase.
4. Paperwork Manipulation / Invalidation
When a vehicle has been deemed a lemon, many states require that it be registered as such. Once a manufacturer or other vehicle seller has had a lemon returned to them by the buyer, they must register this in the vehicle’s paperwork. However, many sellers will avoid doing this by taking the vehicle over state lines to one that is less stringent with its policies. These states will title the vehicles without showing them as lemons. Similarly, some sellers will avoid this whole process and simply settle when the vehicle is first returned. Thus, the vehicle will not be officially deemed a lemon and won’t require registration.
Buyers can avoid purchasing this type of lemon by checking all available databases, both in and out of state, to ensure that the vehicle has not suffered significant damage or received many repairs. Additionally, many used car report services will include any suspicious activity related to the vehicle.
5. Rental Cars or Others with Multiple Drivers
While many of these types of vehicles may be perfectly safe and positive purchases, they can also show higher amounts of damage and wear than other vehicles. Many sellers will lie about the number of drivers a vehicle has had, even if the vehicle was a rental car at some point. Cars with multiple drivers will have been driven in much more varied terrain and under a variety of conditions that may have caused more strain. Additionally, multiple drivers may be indicative of dissatisfaction with a vehicle. While none of these are relevant to every car with multiple drivers, buyers should still be aware of these possible problems. Most buyers can check driver numbers and possible rental registration using used car reports and state records.