Hi there!
I came across an interesting article today about car scams and how to avoid them/what to look for.
#1: Buying or Selling a Vehicle Online and Becoming a Victim of Internet Fraud
Beware!! I have seen this personally, and let me tell you I was not happy in any way. I was on craigslist looking to purchase a motorcycle from the local area, and what happened was borderline insane. This “person” was selling a 2007 Kawasaki Ninja for $2000. I almost needed new pants when I saw this, but I wasn’t completed convinced. I sent this person an email and got a response almost immediately. They told me that they were selling this bike because they recently had a divorce and was awarded this bike in the agreement. I thought, likely story. I mean, what guy would agree to the wife keeping his bike? Not this guy that’s for sure. But ok, I’ll go with it. The next day I emailed them back saying I was interested in seeing the bike and testing it out first. They emailed me back stating that the bike was in Texas (even though they listed in orlando’s craigslist), and they would ship the bike, for free, to me once they received payment. This was a red flag to me, so at this point I decided to investigate further. I emailed them and asked where to send the money, and they responded with an “invoice” that had eBay and paypal logos listed on it. What I found funny was that when I went to click on these logos, nothing happened. Now I don’t know if you’ve ever paid with paypal or ebay but if you get an email from them you can click on logos and it will link you to their sites. So at this point I knew it was a scam, and I reported it to eBay and Paypal. Lesson learned: always be cautious on the internet.
#2: Getting Ripped Off by a Mechanic
This is another common problem I see way too often. Dealerships are especially bad with this because they prey on the ignorant. I am no car expert, but I am a bullshit expert. I have a Toyota Celica and I refuse to take it anywhere but a local shop with a friend or person I’ve known. Your best bet is to take your car to a personal friend (from high school or wherever) and have them work on it. Just recently my dad took his Lexus to his dealership, and they told him he needed 4 brand new tires. My dad is not car savvy either, but he told me what the measurements were and I was dumbfounded. All his tires were at 4/32 in. For those who don’t know this is about half of the tread worn off. In pennsylvania state minimum tread depth is 2/32 in. So he ended up blowing over a grand on new tires when he could have gotten another year out of the same tires. Trust and buy local is a good way to go.
#3: Discovering Your Recently Purchased Car is a Lemon
This goes without saying, but seriously, don’t let this happen. I always remember the commercial back home 1-800 Lemon law. I would check that out if you get into a bad situation.
#4: Putting Faith in Vehicle Devices that Don’t Fulfill Their Promise
Don’t buy anything that promises wild things. “This will give you 5 more mpgs”. It’s all crap and you won’t want to waste your money, trust me.
#5: Failing to Correctly Calculate the True Cost of Car Ownership
Basically don’t underestimate the amount of money you will spend to keep your car running smooth. Remember depreciation is a factor in life and all that you buy. Wear and tear sucks but its reality. Deal with it.
And if you want to read more here is the main article I got this from: http://comcast.vehix.com/articles/tips–advice/5-worst-car-scams-and-how-to-avoid-them/5?cid=800
Finally if you are frustrated just watch this guy, it made me laugh hopefully it makes you laugh too!
RW
The District of Misery 