I recently had a short, abrupt conversation with a salesperson in New Hampshire about the origin of a USED vehicle on his lot, I was trying to negotiate for a client. After reading the AUTOCHECK report he had emailed to me I asked one (1) question that he chose to answer in this way…
SARAH-Question: “Do YOU know if the dealer that only kept this car for ten days before sending it to auction, was a “Subaru” dealer or a non-Subaru dealer?”
DEALER-Answer: “Why the previous dealer sent it to auction is irrelevant to us. We bought it and now we want to make $XXXX on it.”
AH…
SARAH-Comment: “Well, I think that is too much money for that car. “
DEALER-Comment: “Well we can agree to disagree.” Then he gave me some suggestions about my website and hung-up on me.
Okay, thanks for the suggestions but here is the real reason I am repeating the story. The value of a CARFAX or AUTOCHECK is only as good as the information about problems they know exist, as sourced by them.
My reason for asking the question was this: If the dealer isn’t a Subaru dealer, needed cash or doesn’t sell a lot of Subaru’s in his market (warm weather) he/she choose to “turn” the car quickly. HOWEVER, if these were not the reasons for turning the car over to the auction before trying to sell it off their lot, then I have to wonder if there was a problem with the car. When dealers buy cars at auction they have the opportunity to return a car that has a SERIOUS problem, i.e.: “FRAME DAMAGE”. However, if they discover other problems once home, well, the new dealer/owner inherits the problems to fix or off to the next buyer.
So next time you take a glance at a CARFAX or AUTOCHECK, understand the information that isn’t there doesn’t guarantee the vehicle is trouble-free. Online vehicle inspection reports do not have automatic access to the accident history of every car as it transfers title. If a car had been in an accident and repaired for less than 60% of it’s value, the local Motor Vehicle Department (where most of the registration and mileage information comes from) will not have the accident and repair cost or amount of the damage on file. Retrieving this information is up to the company SELLING you the report (CARFAX, AUTOCHECK or VINCHECK) and the disclosure policy of the previous owner’s insurance company. Read the fine print, these information providers will not be held responsible for what they didn’t tell you. Asking the question doesn’t guarantee a truthful answer, but inquiring about things that may be an issue opens the door to a more thorough investigation. It is obvious to me this salesperson did not want to have any further conversation with an educated buyer.
Oh well, it’s not the last car on earth and it won’t be the last time I ask these questions. That’s why I say, get your own independent inspection before buying the car. For more tips on used car buying click HERE.
—————————————————————————————————————————- Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at www.mycarlady.com Top learn more about getting your best car deal click here: CAR DEALS
