Shall I Change Locks When Purchasing Car from an Individual?

Question

I am starting to look for a used car, and have been trying to decide between a site such as Ebay (where I may travel a distance to pick up vehicle from a dealer) and Craigslist (where I would purchase locally from an individual). I have a strange question regarding purchasing a car from an individual locally:

Apart from research, inspecting the car, etc., that is suggested when purchasing a vehicle from an individual, would it make sense to change the locks and keyless remote system (fob) on a car when purchasing? I have never heard of this before, but I have this fear of a scammer perhaps selling a car locally giving one set of keys/remote, and then "stealing" the car back simply by going to where the car is parked and using another set of keys/remote?

Answer 1

I think the likelihood of someone "stealing back" a car is probably slim to none. ESPECIALLY locals where you go to their house to pick it up... let's face it; you know where they live. I think rather than going through that expense you are better off investing in a good security system. Why? because if I were to want to sell someone a car with the intent of stealing it back, I would in advance file for a lost title, so I'd have an official copy, sell it, take it back, and file for ownership out of state... holy cow, the mud that would dredge up! lol...
just make sure whatever you buy you run thru carfax first, ok?

Answer 2

For your own piece of mind, it probably would be a good idea for you to have the locks changed. I think the frequency of the remote opener can be changed as well, probably by a dealer who sells the particular brand of cars. You might also check with a locksmith that's local to you.

Answer 3

the traditional time to interchange a belt is round 60,000 miles. Assuming the motorized vehicle become force the classic of 10K miles in line with year, you're likely round 80,000. this is going to easily be on your record. research the belt - does it look dry or have cracks in it? if so, you need to bypass ahead and get it replaced once you may. If it seems ok, you need to likely be advantageous waiting till your next vacation to the shop to have something else performed. that is an ordeal to regulate it because you opt for to pull a lot else off of the motorized vehicle to get to it. i'd evaluate checking/replacing different products around the timing belt mutually...an limitless majority of the fee (or time, in case you're doing it your self) is spent getting to it. So even as you've it sparkling, you would besides do a touch preventative upkeep, too.

Answer 4

If your really worried, you can have the key recoded so that only yours works, we did this at vauxhall sometimes. They would be able to get in with a spare, but not start it.

I doubt he would go to the time and expense of getting a 2nd key coded as if you want one for a vauxhall for example it costa around £120

I wouldnt worry mate. 3rdly, its gonna be pretty obvious if the car goes missing, eh.

Answer 5

If your buying it out of the paper or private owner I would. They get the cash, then still the car...might as well for your own concerned