is finding a used car off the street bad?

Answer 1

just finding one ? good then

Answer 2

You are at risk with either a private seller or dealership of buying a car that's not up to standards so to speak.

Most dealerships will inspect the cars before they sell them, but this doesn't mean that they repair everything that needs repaired.

At my former job as a service manager of a mult-line dealership I've seen numerous vehicles we inspected that needed repairs but the used car sales manager would'nt authorize these repairs.

But as a general rule, anything that was a major safety issue was either repaired, or the vehicle was sold at auction or to some other wholesale source.

The advantage of a dealership is that if something goes wrong, you at least have someone to complain to. Not that they will always correct the problem. But you do have some options such as filing a complaint with the bbb, speaking to a general manager or owner etc.

With a private seller you have very few if any of these options.

You'll get a better price with a private seller than a dealerships, but as mentioned above, at a greater risk.

Dealerships themselves are not always so honest either, they will attempt to add options you don't need, such as window etching and even some add on paint sealants, undercoatings etc, not just new but used cars as well.

If you know what to look for and how to look for those items that may hinder your search, then you can at least feel comfortable about shopping for a used car, rather it be a dealer or private seller.

Jerry Christopher
http://www.usedcarwise.com

Answer 3

I have bought many used cars from ads in the paper. I examine the title carefully, have the title checked by the state...there are many stolen cars out there with forged titles! I make sure the VIN matches the title, and that the VIN shows no signs of alteration...the VIN is repeated on the motor somewhere...make sure it matches that in the front dash at the windshield. If you know cars, you should have no trouble. But, If it sounds too good to be true, it isn't true. Nobody is stupid, and nobody sells a car for considerably less than what it is worth...trust that one.

Answer 4

Can be a good experince, depending on where you look. My daughter found a 1997 Chevrolet Celebrity with high miles, however it belonged to christian nun who was so honest she sent them a vehicle warranty dealer fix item [30 days After they had purchased vehicle.] You can find many a good well taken care of vehicles if you know how to look. Being somewhat mechanicly inclined,knowing vehicle maintainence would be a big plus in your search.

Answer 5

Looking for one now...As long as you can pull a car fax report on the car, you should be okay...The fax report allows No Lemons

Answer 6

i think it is fine. have it checked over by a mechanic and see if you think the person selling it is honest. drive it and see for yourself. i don't think it's bad.

Answer 7

if it looks good than no.