The CAR WIZARD Shares 8 SITUATIONS when you should NEVER Buy a Vehicle!

Summary

In this video, the host shares 8 critical red flags to watch out for when buying a used car. From excessive part replacements and missing titles to deceptive sales tactics like unaddressed engine issues and broken AC, these warning signs can help buyers avoid making costly mistakes. The video also highlights scams involving curbstoning, misleading warranties, and faulty sensors, offering valuable insights from the host's personal experiences. The key takeaway is that if any of these red flags appear, it’s better to walk away than risk purchasing a problematic car.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always be cautious if a seller has replaced an excessive number of parts, as it might indicate that they are trying to fix an unresolved, larger issue with the car.
• 😀 If a car runs rough and the seller blames it on a minor part like an O2 sensor, it’s likely a scam to avoid addressing a more expensive underlying problem.
• 😀 Never buy a car if the seller doesn’t have the title in hand, as this could mean they are hiding legal issues or that the car is still financed.
• 😀 Be wary of sellers claiming to be selling the car on behalf of someone else. This could be a sign of ‘curbstoning,’ where the car was never registered to the seller and may have hidden issues.
• 😀 If a seller says the car won't start due to something minor like a bad starter or lost keys, they might be hiding a major mechanical issue with the car.
• 😀 When the check engine light is on, and the seller claims it’s just an easy fix like replacing an O2 sensor, it’s probably more serious and expensive than they’re letting on.
• 😀 If a seller can’t start the car or refuses to allow a test drive, it's a red flag that they may be hiding problems with the engine or other major systems.
• 😀 A claim that the air conditioning just needs refrigerant is often a lie. AC issues in modern cars can be expensive and involve more than just topping off refrigerant.
• 😀 Always verify that the seller's name matches the name on the title. If there’s a discrepancy, the seller might be trying to illegally transfer the car or avoid a problem with the title.
• 😀 If the seller offers an extended warranty after a car is sold with known issues, it’s likely a scam, and the warranty won’t cover the actual problems you’ll face with the car.

Q & A

What is a major red flag when considering buying a used car?

A major red flag is when a seller has replaced numerous parts in the car, such as the alternator, starter, battery, water pump, and power steering pump. If many parts have been replaced without successfully fixing the issue, it suggests there's an underlying problem with the car that might not be easy to fix.

Why is it suspicious when a seller says the title is 'in the mail'?

This is often a scam tactic. The seller may not actually own the car or might be attempting to hide legal issues. If the title is not available at the time of sale, it's a huge red flag, and the buyer should walk away.

What does 'curbstoning' mean in the context of selling a car?

Curbstoning refers to when a seller is not the actual owner of the car, but instead is selling it on behalf of someone else (like a relative or friend). This can indicate that the car might have legal issues, and the person selling it might not be authorized to do so.

What should you do if the car you're looking at has a check engine light on?

If the check engine light is on, it could be signaling an expensive problem. Don't just take the seller’s word that it's a simple fix like an O2 sensor. Always have the car inspected properly to determine the actual cause of the issue before purchasing.

Why is it risky to buy a car without starting it or being able to test drive it?

If the car can't start or run properly, it could be hiding significant mechanical issues. Even if the seller claims it just needs a new starter or battery, these problems could be symptoms of deeper issues, and it's hard to verify the condition of the car without being able to start it or drive it.

What should you do if the seller insists that the car’s AC problem is simply a refrigerant issue?

If the seller claims the AC just needs refrigerant, it's often a lie. The issue could be much more serious, such as a faulty compressor or a leak in the system, which could lead to costly repairs. Walk away from this type of deal.

What does it mean if a seller offers an extended warranty to cover a car’s issues?

An extended warranty offer might be a tactic to cover up known issues with the car. Often, the problems the car has won’t be covered by the warranty, leaving you with unexpected repair costs. If the dealer offers this, it’s usually best to have them fix the issue before agreeing to buy.

Why should you be cautious if the seller claims they don’t have the keys to the car?

If the seller can’t provide the keys to the car, it could indicate that there are deeper mechanical or electrical issues with the car. Without the ability to test drive or start the car, you can't verify its condition, and you could be walking into a potential money pit.

What should you do if the seller offers to sell you the car without a clear title?

If the seller doesn’t have the car title in hand, do not buy the car. The absence of a clear title could indicate ownership or legal issues, such as unpaid loans or curbstoning. Always require the title before proceeding with any car purchase.

How can you avoid getting scammed when buying a used car?

To avoid scams, always verify the car’s title, have it inspected by a trusted mechanic, be wary of 'too good to be true' deals, and never fall for excuses like 'the title is in the mail' or 'it just needs a simple fix.' Always trust your instincts and walk away if something doesn’t seem right.