Of course, such a development of events is ideal for those who seek to avoid hidden complexities and count on a long and carefree operation of the car. When buying a new car, you often receive from the dealer as a pleasant addition free maintenance for a certain period or mileage. However, in reality, everything is not as simple and cloudless as it might seem at first glance. Dealers have also mastered ways to make money from careless buyers, selling goods with defects and completely absolving themselves of any responsibility. How can you recognize the tricks of car dealerships and minimize possible risks?
Typical tricks when buying a car
How to make a profitable purchase at a car dealership and not encounter problems during the transaction? It is important to know the key points where you need to be especially careful and not become a victim of deception:
- If over the phone you were confirmed the availability of the desired model, and upon arrival at the showroom it turns out that it is not there, and you are persistently offered other options — this is a reason to be wary. Such an approach indicates the dubious integrity of the sellers, and the question arises of what to expect next.
- When the advertised price differs from the one quoted in the showroom (naturally, upward), it is also not worth dealing with such a dealer. There is no guarantee that during the transaction the price will not increase several more times.
- When applying for a loan, carefully study every clause of the contract. After making the initial payment, you may be offered a completely different car, and the contract may include such a right of the showroom in fine print. Returning the deposit in such a situation is unlikely, and you will have to come to terms with what you were given — not a pleasant prospect for your own money.
- If the car was imported from abroad, be sure to check for a customs receipt order.
- Carefully read the contract for a possible price increase after its signing, but before the moment of transfer of the car. If such a clause is present, it is better to refuse cooperation with this showroom — it is unknown how the exchange rate will behave tomorrow, and then the car may cost you a pretty penny.
To avoid unpleasant surprises with the technical condition of the car, do not be lazy to beforehand:
- Inspect the car for compliance with the declared configuration, check the integrity of the paintwork and the presence of all required accessories (spare wheel, tools, cigarette lighter, and so on).
- Make sure all locks, lighting devices, and various systems are in working order.
- Check the level of technical fluids in all reservoirs under the hood.
And only if everything is in order and the car fully matches the documents, you can proceed to signing the papers.
How to choose a showroom and protect yourself when buying
A key role in the safety of the transaction is played by the choice of the car dealership. Small private dealers often offer more attractive conditions and discounts, and may also have the desired car in stock, unlike large showrooms where waiting for the car can drag on for a couple of months. However, trusting your money (and the amounts are usually considerable) to such a small organization is only worth it if you have studied its reputation or you have acquaintances who have already successfully purchased a car there. If no information can be found, it is worth thinking carefully — in small showrooms, reliability is lower, and the risk of falling into some fraudulent scheme increases significantly.
Documentation
Buying a car at a showroom, as well as purchasing a used car, requires the execution of certain documents and the conclusion of a contract.
- Do not sign anything until you are sure of the proper condition of the car.
- Always read all clauses of the contract, especially those printed in fine print — it is there that the most unfavorable and even enslaving conditions are usually hidden, designed for you not to pay attention to them.
- Check the body number with the number specified in the contract.
Only after carrying out all these checks can you safely sign and become the owner of the car without unnecessary risks and problems.
