Are you going to buy a used car? If so, you should try your level best to avoid making some common mistakes. After all, you don’t want to get ripped off. Given below are a few tips that can help you protect yourself when investing in a used vehicle.

Get the car inspected

If you are a certified mechanic, you can inspect the car on your own. If you are new to used cars, we suggest that you get the car inspected before buying it. Don’t make the mistake of paying for car before taking it to a good mechanic. The professional will inspect the car for you and will let you know its real value as well as possible faults.

Go for a Test-drive

Don’t just drive the car in a circle. What you need to do is take the car out of the parking lot for a test drive. Actually, driving it on the highway will help you check the accessories. If the car has a major fault, you can negotiate the price with the seller.

Never buy Without seeing the vehicle

At times, people purchase cars online without even taking a closer look at them. Have you found a good but inexpensive car in some other state? You may end up paying for a car that doesn’t match the pictures you viewed on a website. It’s not a good idea to trust an online seller that you have never met before in person.

Check the title

Once you have taken a closer look at the car, what you need to do is inspect its title as well. Actually, this is a very important step. You may want to make sure that the title has no liens.

The purchase agreement

If you are going to purchase from a dealer, you will need to sign a Buyer’s Order or a Purchase Agreement. The documents will govern the transaction. The purchase agreement should not limit your rights or protect all of the rights of the dealer. You should not rely on the verbal promise of the dealer alone.

Buy from an individual

This is very important. Some dealers act in a way that buyers think they are buying from an individual. However, the documents clearly state that the car is being sold by a dealer. Actually, in some states, the act of “curbstoning” is not against the law. However, even if it’s allowed in some states, you may have problems if the sellers kicks off the deal by lying to you.

So, if you are going to buy a second-hand car for the first time, we suggest that you follow the tips given in this article. This will reduce your chances of getting ripped off. And you will be able to get your hands on the right vehicle since you will know all the things that are important for making this big purchase. Just keep in mind that you should have everything in writing. Verbal promises are not very reliable.