Top 5 Tips to Buy a Used Car without Getting Scammed

Are you planning to buy a used car but worried about getting scammed? You are not alone, it is a common concern, especially when you’re dealing with second-hand car options. Whether you're searching for a "used car" or have already thought, that "I want to sell my car," the process can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry! In this blog, here are the top 5 tips to ensure that your experience is smart and scam-free when buying a used car – 

Steps to buying a Second-Hand car safely – 

1. Check for Common Service Center Scams

You have to be cautious of car scams at service centers that are quite common in India. Here are some scams that you should be aware of -  

- Oil Change Scam: Some car centres will scam you by using fake engine oil and then will charge you for unnecessary engine flushing. To avoid this, ask them to change the oil in front of you or just check the color of the engine oil.

- Spare Part Scam: it is quite well known that a company earns a lot through spare parts. Sometimes, these centers will ask to replace parts unnecessarily which includes parts like the clutch system, they often replace new parts with older ones. 

2. Ask if you’re buying an Older Model or Demo Car

Be on high alert if you are buying an older model or a demo car. Sometimes car dealers might try to sell you a demo or an old model of a car as a new car! Here is how you can avoid this - 

- Speedometer Trouble: Check if the speedometer looks odd or if it has scratches around it—it could mean that it’s tampered. 

- Odometer Reading: A lot of dealers might reset this, so make sure the mileage is under 100 km. Wear and Tear: You have to look if there is any heavy wear on the pedals and driver’s seat. If the car’s been repainted or has mismatched panels, it might mean that the car is old or is a demo car. 

- Overall Condition: Check the car properly for any damage or signs of repair, often looks can be deceiving and the car buyer falls into the scam. 

3. Verify if you’re Paying Extra for your new car 

It is very easy for dealers to overcharge, when you go to buy a new car they give you a list of additional charges which is above the ex-showroom price and sometimes a car buyer may tend to ignore these small charges, but if you want to save time and not waste money unnecessarily, here are somethings that you should know – 

- Check and compare prices of insurance companies, additionally make sure that the insurance policy cover’s it all. 

- As directed by the Supreme Court, no dealer can ask for handling charges. 

4. Avoid Service Center Overcharges

Be careful about when you are taking your car to the service center, a lot of people end up giving money for repairs that their car doesn’t even need but they’re deceived in a way that it seems to be believable, if this ever happens always take a second opinion and save your hard earned money. It might take some time but will be worth taking an effort! 

5. Know When to Get Car Service done   

When you're buying a second-hand car, you have to make it a point to check it’s service history which is super important. You want to make sure the previous owner followed the service intervals, so you know how well it’s been taken care of. Skipping services can lead to bigger problems down the line. Once the car is yours, stick to the schedule and avoid getting ripped off with unnecessary repairs. To avoid any future service-related scams after buying the car, stick to trusted services like MyRaasta for transparent, honest car repairs. 

Common Scams to Watch Out for Used Cars - 

- Engine Decarbonizing

Some service centers push for engine decarbonizing every 15,000 to 20,000 km, even though modern engines don’t need it for at least 50,000 km. Another unnecessary process that is highly recommended is engine dressing, where in a spray cleaner is used on your engine cover to make it look nice. 

- Stolen Cars with Fake Documents

In India, frauds like these are unfortunately very common, fraudsters end up creating fake documents to make the car seem legit. They use these forged papers to trick new car buyers into buying a stolen car.

- VIN Cloning

image source - https://medium.com/@williamnorberg2016/understanding-vin-cloning-and-ways-to-avoid-it-399a1abc4aab

Often, scammers steal a car and then use the VIN from a legitimate vehicle to create fake documents, which makes the stolen car appear legal and trick potential car buyers into purchasing it.

- Bait and Switch

In this scam, a seller advertises one car but tries to sell you a different one, a car which is faulty and or requires a comprehensive service, it’s honestly a classic trick to get you to buy something you didn’t plan on. 

- Fake Inspections 

Some sellers provide fake car inspection reports to make the car seem in better shape than it really is. It’s a way to hide any issues and lure buyers into a bad deal.

When buying a second-hand car, having a reliable service provider can make all the difference. At MyRaasta, we excel in offering comprehensive car services tailored for used car buyers. Our team provides thorough vehicle inspections, detailed reports, and honest advice to help you avoid common scams and hidden issues. With MyRaasta, you benefit from:

- Trusted Car Service Provider: Trust our skilled mechanics to handle all your car service needs, from routine maintenance to essential repairs.

- Expert Mechanics: With our trusted service, you can confidently buy a used car, knowing it’s been thoroughly serviced.

- Detailed Car Inspection: We carefully check every aspect of your car to uncover any potential issues.

Choose MyRaasta to get the best out of your used car and enjoy peace of mind with our top-notch car service.