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We all know that with the progress of technology, there have been some great bonuses and terrible problems. As with any tool, the potential for abuse is ever-present, and it's the job of the user to be aware. That's why we've put together this advice to keep you safe when you're shopping online, or even in person, through the vast amounts of used cars out there. Don't Fall for a Shipping Scam This is the most common and dangerous falsehood on the current market. A relatively benign-looking advertisement will say that they've got a vehicle ready at a great deal. It has low miles, is in great condition, and they are asking a very low price. The only hitch is that you will have to have it shipped. They will even pay for the shipping! All you have to do is send the money. Stop right there. As soon as someone tries to require shipment, no matter how great or realistic they may sound, the transaction is fraudulent. Think about the process carefully. Have you seen this vehicle, other than in pictures (which could have been collected from a quick Internet search)? Where are they located, and why couldn't you drive to pick up the vehicle yourself? If they dodge the questions or insist on shipment, there is almost a 100% chance they are trying to take your money and disappear. The only exception, and quite rarely, are classics being bought by collectors. However, if you're ready to put out the money for a great classic, you should fly to their location anyway. Occasionally, new vehicles are shipped, but this is done securely through a dealership. Speaking of dealers, let's go over the kinds of things you'll want to avoid in person. Deadly Dealers and Honest Salesmen There's a good reason to why some salesmen have gotten such a bad reputation selling used cars. To put it simply, you can clean up a lemon until it shines, but it's still a lemon. At the same time, there are honest salesman that have no interest in selling you a defective vehicle, and they are up-front with you throughout the transaction. Some signs that a vehicle is a poor purchase decision are obvious, but others are subtle. In the end, it often boils down to two words: mileage and history. Mileage is not just the number in the odometer; it's the total amount of wear and tear that used cars have seen over the years. That is not just the state of the interior or the paint of the exterior. It's the integral parts of the engine that are extraordinarily expensive to replace. This doesn't mean that vehicles with 100,000+ miles are always a bad idea, but you need to get a solid idea of the vehicle's service history. What kind of owners have driven it, and did they drive mostly on highways, or always in the city? Was it properly maintained with regular oil changes and occasional tune-ups? Most importantly, what needs to be replaced in the near future? Will that added cost make it a better decision than a lightly-used, pre-owned option? These are all questions you'll need to get answered, and if everything checks out, you could be getting a good deal. After a thorough inspection from a certified mechanic, go over the Carfax or similar report, and if things look legitimate, you might be ready to seal the deal. To learn more about their options for used cars, Jersey City residents should visit http://www.mymetrohonda.com/used-cars-jersey-city-nj.
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