Edmunds: Avoid these 3 mistakes when buying a used car sight unseen
Sometimes you need to buy a car you’ve never seen
It’s easier than ever before to buy a used vehicle online. Unfortunately, that also means it’s easier than ever before to make a purchase you might later regret.
Buying a vehicle online and sight unseen allows you to potentially shop the nation’s entire inventory of cars rather than what just happens to be sitting around at your local dealership. That’s a big advantage whether you want something very specific or simply the best price or the lowest miles.
Many shoppers, though, forget the basics when shopping online. Edmunds ′ car experts examine the three common mistakes people make when buying a car online and explain what you can do to avoid them.
Most auto retailers are invested in the business and they do their due diligence to protect you and themselves throughout their buying, reconditioning and selling process. But that doesn’t mean a vehicle will be perfect. Rushing into a purchase without conducting thorough research or seeking expert advice increases the likelihood you’ll regret your decision.
Make sure to get a vehicle history report from a reputable third party like Carfax or Experian. Many dealerships offer these reports for free in the car listing. You’ll likely need to purchase the report on your own if you’re buying from a private seller or an auction site. Spend time reviewing the report. Accidents and repairs in a car’s history are rarely obvious in photos, even if they’ve been poorly repaired.
Talk to the seller directly before purchasing. Ask the seller for more pictures of interior scuffs, door dings and scratches. A video call that includes a walk-around of the car is a great idea as well. Ask that the car be in a well-lit area and ask to be
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