02/23/2025
It's tax time! If your upcoming refund has your eye on a newer used car, here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping online.
Ask the "dealer" to see his dealer license and salesman license. Many so-called dealers are actually just renting dealer credentials from dealerships in other cities or even states. They don't know or follow PA title rules or laws, and it can make for a very troublesome transfer experience.
Always inspect the vehicle before purchase, as the buyer, this is your job! Look underneath for rust or fresh paint or undercoating. Many will buy a car with rust and cover over it with spray-on undercoating, and at a quick glance, it looks like new, but a quick jab with a screwdriver goes right through the frame!!! Also check closely for any signs or leaks runninging or dripping down from anywhere in the engine compartment. Engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, fuel, power steering fluid, brake fluid there are lots of things that can leak. The colors can help determine what is leaking in some cases
Open the hood and start the car. Listen for weird noises, squeaks, screeching, or humming from the engine or belts, which may indicate bigger issues. Turn on things like the defroster and air conditioning and listen for changes in the cabin or engine tone signaling the fact that it is actually working. Try all the windows and door lock buttons and features inside the car. Many of the newer cars have individual modules for all of these features, and diagnostics or programming them when they fail can be very expensive.
Keep in mind that we have had the car running this whole time, right. Now we want to drive it. We want to make sure it is up to operating temperatures. We want to make sure it does not overheat but also that it does get up to the correct temperature. Many times, if the cooling system has issues keeping a car cool, removing the thermostat will make the car stay cooler, but that can actually keep the car from completely warming up and running properly to get the best fuel economy and emissions results as it was designed.
Pay close attention to how the transmission shifts, both up and down shifts, and even when coming to a full stop. Try reverse! Try the four-wheel drive if it's selectable!!! Go onto a road with some bumps and get a feel for the suspension, listening for squeaks, bangs, and clangs as the car's suspension flexes over bumps.
Check the tires for even wear all the way across the tread surface. Peek through the wheels at the brake pad thickness. Make sure the rotors are nice and shiny on the stopping surfaces.
Lastly, ask to see the title! Make sure the person you are buying from is the person on the front of the title or associated with the dealership listed, and that there is an open assignment to assign the car to you. Double-check the VIN number on the car and title match. Check that there are no liens or brands on the title!
Good luck and happy shopping!
As always, if you have any questions, Michael's Notary is always here to help you with all your Notary needs.
