Tips for a happy car-buying experience
Research shows that the auto industry is still suffering lingering effects from COVID-19 shutdowns. The supply chain was disrupted, which has led to fewer available new cars — which means fewer used cars as well.
Thinking of buying a used car? Here are some tips to consider.
Before you buy, have the car inspected by a mechanic of your choice. Do not rely on the inspection checklists dealers complete.
Upcoming maintenance needs are something some dealers don’t look at, but your inspector should warn you of upcoming maintenance expenses.
Some dealers offer a return policy in case you change your mind, but a pre-purchase inspection is a better option so you avoid wasting hours haggling and signing paperwork. Plus if you had a trade-in and the deal fell through, what if the dealer no longer had your car? How does the deal get undone in that case?
Don't rely completely on a Carfax report, either. The report has good information but it might not have everything listed that happened to the car. All this advice pertains to private sellers also, not just dealers.
I have written about used car warranties in previous columns but my advice on them is worth repeating: Don't buy a used car warranty. They contain too many outs for the warranty issuer, with the most often out being to blame it on a pre-existing condition or prior owner abuse.
A lot of what goes wrong with a used car is normal wear and tear, which most used car warranties don't cover. The only exception is to buy a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) car as the manufacturer extends the factory warranty for cars that meet their standard.
Usually if you're buying a CPO, you are buying from a dealer who represents that brand. Also, keep in mind that if you find a car on a general used car lot and they label it as a CPO, it may be their own interpretation of the term so beware.
Another mistake I have heard made often is relying on verbal statements from a salesperson. The only time verbal contracts stand up is when both parties agree on what was said. So if you're going to rely on something said during your transaction, get it in writing.
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Phony Wells Fargo email warnings
As banks are starting to correspond with us via text messages about suspicious activities on our account, scammers are capitalizing on this form of communication. A Coeur d’Alene reader shared an email he received, supposedly from Wells Fargo Bank.
The warning went like this: “Security Alert! We noticed unusual activities of multiple use of incorrect login details. For your security, we have restricted your account activities. To restore your account and continue the use of our banking services, click here to restore and protect your account.”
“Before proceeding, kindly make sure your debit or credit card is within your reach. As you will be mandated to verify your card details. Please do not reply to this email. Sincerely, Wells Fargo Customer Service.”
Our reader knew this was a phony message because he doesn't have an account with Wells Fargo. Plus, the notice came from WELLS FARGO ONL1NE BANK1NG. Notice the 1 in place of where the I should be? This is a tell-tale sign that this is a scam notice.
In addition, the note plays on the fear of the customer to click on the link in the email message to restore the account — and states the customer will be asked to verify card details. Bonafide bank notices will not ask for your information or ask you to click on a link.
If you have an account with Wells Fargo, go to your account directly to check the status and avoid clicking on links.
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That text could be a lie
According to AARP, scammers are using text messages the same way they use phishing emails. If you think about it, from the criminal's perspective, texting can be preferable because they don’t have to rely on you to answer the phone, and poor English and improper spelling are accepted when texting.
If you call a phone number, you need the person to answer before you can make your pitch; however, with a text, your script pops up immediately and unfiltered. Plus psychologically, people don’t typically send text messages to people they don’t know.
If you receive a text asking you to provide your username, password, credit card information or click on a link, avoid all of these requests. Often thieves make text messages sound like they're coming from someone you know or have contacted to do business with.
For example, I just received a text message the other day with the message: “Terri, nice choice to be aboard with us. This is for you: a link was provided for me to click on.” I have no idea who sent this to me and I didn’t sign up for anything so this was a scam designed to get me to click on the provided link.
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Remember: I’m on your side.
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If you have encountered a consumer issue that you have questions about or think our readers should know about, please send me an email at terridickersonadvocate@gmail.com or call me at 208-274-4458. As The Cd'A Press Consumer Gal, I’m here to help. I’m a copywriter working with businesses on marketing strategy, a columnist, a veterans advocate and a consumer advocate living in Coeur d’Alene.