A MECHANIC has shared the most important question he tells car buyers to ask before purchasing a used vehicle.
For many consumers, investing thousands of dollars into a new car is simply out of the question – but the risks of purchasing a used car can also be intimidating.
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To help buyers avoid accidentally purchasing a problematic vehicle, a Canadian mechanic has revealed a question he makes sure to ask every time he is looking to buy a used car.
“Everyone knows it’s buy or beware, but there are ways as a buyer you can become the most aware possible,” shop owner Norm G (@mechanicofthestars) began on TikTok.
The sale of used cars – especially between individuals – is regulated differently across different states, making it difficult for buyers to understand their rights.
But insisting on a response to this question could save buyers a ton of headaches.
“If you’re buying a car from someone and you ask if you can take it in and have it inspected and they go ‘ohhh no’ – Red flag,” he said in the video.
“Most people selling legitimate vehicles will allow you to take it or they’ll take it themselves to someone like me who can put professional eyes on it and see what’s what,” he explained.
Buyers are protected in some states by lemon laws, which offer recourse to people who make major purchases based on fraudulent information.
Doing your due diligence will not be free, however.
“It’s worth the $80 I would charge you to do what we call an insurance inspection or pre-purchase inspection to find any major flaws,” he said.
He also suggested a few more helpful questions that used car buyers should remember before signing off on a new purchase.
“Pull a CARFAX. Spend the $50, go online, use the VIN,” he added.
“It shows the accident history, it shows if there are any liens against it and it shows the service history.”
Norm gave examples of what could happen if buyers forgot to ask these important questions, too.
“Invest the money if you’re serious about the car because you’ll avoid any serious repercussions, like this poor young lady who has a $3,000 estimate to make this car legal, which she just purchased, and she has no recourse to get her moneyback,” he said.
Hundreds of the influencer’s 150,000 followers on TikTok liked and commented on the helpful video.
“I tell people to get pre-purchase inspections all the time. They never listen but I tell them,” one fan commented.
“More more on used cars please. I’ve learned so much. Thx for sharing,” wrote another.