Buying a used car isn't’ a simple decision to make. A lot of thought and effort is required to get the best option available. Plus, all the information and paperwork may overwhelm you a bit, but it’s crucial to remain calm and think hard before making a decision. After all that work, the last thing you want is to be taken for a ride. There are hundreds of dealerships out there who want to make you their customer. Most are probably genuine and look for ways to help y'all in the process. But some may try to swindle you out of hundreds of dollars by selling you an unreliable car or even one that you can’t afford. With so many fraudulent used-car dealers and dealership scams in the market, it's easy to fall into their trap.
In this article, we're going to tell you ways in which y'all can avoid being taken for a ride, which means don't’ get played with, don’t get messed with, and, more importantly, don’t buy a car that’s going to keep you from moving your life forward. At Shabana Motors we know how valuable money is to everyone, so we want you to learn how to protect it.
So how do you do your best to avoid falling for tricks? Here are 6 tips to help you.
1. Test DriveBefore signing the contract, make sure you take the car for a test drive. A dishonest dealer might try to convince you to believe that there is nothing wrong with a particular car. However, you should make sure for yourself. If you don’t know much about cars, take someone who has experience with them. At Shabana Motors, we put all of the vehicles we purchase through an extensive inspection to make sure the car is in tip-top shape. All of the vehicles we sell include a 2-year, 24K mile warranty, so your confidence in your car will be long-lasting.
2. Pre-arrange or plan your financing options
If you’re thinking about financing your new used vehicle, it may work in your advantage to make financing arrangements or get pre-approved, before you visit a used car dealership. At the very least, have an idea as to how much you think you can afford monthly and how long you plan to keep the vehicle. Unscrupulous salesmen may want you to take a loan you can’t sustain for a car you can’t afford. They might let you take your desired vehicle, but along with that, they might give you a rotten deal w. At Shabana Motors we will never sell you a car you can’t afford. We do offer in-house financing with a ton of term options, and financing plans. We will work with you to make sure you can keep your life moving forward in the right vehicle now and in the future.
3. Go with your gut
It is essential to trust your gut feeling. If you feel something is wrong, it’s probable that is. Shabana Motors is a family-owned business that has been selling and financing used cars in Houston for over 40 years. We are here to stay, and we always want our customers to have the best experience when buying a used vehicle.
4. Follow the Right Process
If you’re making a trade-in deal, negotiate the value of the old car first. Don't try to make multiple negotiations at once because that will leave you confused and put the salesman at an advantage. Compare interest rates, down payments, monthly payments, and other features of the deal with at least four to five other dealers before making a decision. At Shabana Motors we are confident that the terms of the deals we offer are solid, fair, and manageable so that our customers keep coming back to us.
5. Scrutinize the leasing contract
There may be some unexplainable “errors” in the leasing contract. Make sure you read each and every line thoroughly. Pay attention to any numbers in the contract and check if they’re the same as what was discussed verbally. Make sure all the terms of the agreement are exactly the same as what you discussed.
6. Yo! Don’t Rush!
Take your time! While some dealers will tell you that you should hurry or someone else may close the deal, just hold your horses. There is absolutely no hurry when it comes to buying a used car. The more time you take, the better decision you’ll make. At Shabana Motors, we don’t believe in pressuring people to buy a used vehicle. When you think the process is going too fast, it’s time to press those breaks. Slow down and think about the deal you’re making.
The Bottom Line
Unscrupulous car dealers have plenty of experience scamming customers. They will use all kinds of tricks to rip you off, and then disappear. Remember, not all used car dealerships are the same.
Shabana Motors is a proven, reliable, family-owned car dealer with over 40 years of serving Houston and surrounding areas. We won’t sell you a car that you can’t afford or make use of ploys to unjustly take your hard-earned money. Use your coins in a better place.
Check out Shabana Motors’s great variety of used cars with various degrees of customization. Our financial advisors will make sure you get a financing option relevant to your needs and situation.
