WHAT TO DO WHEN BUYING A VEHICLE

As a result of our free market system consumers are faced with many choices and issues to consider when they have decided to buy a vehicle. Cost, condition, resale value, functionality, fuel economy, mileage, insurance, security and maintenance are just some of the factors that one considers before making such a substantial FINANCIAL INVESTMENT. With so much to do already the last thing one wants to worry about is whether or not you will fall prey to an auto scam. To reduce your chances of being the next victim, the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) offers the following advice:

Select A Reputable Dealer
Regardless of which vehicle you decide to buy, you need to know that if something goes wrong that you will have ready access to redress. You will also feel more confident if you know the vendor has a good reputation for delivering what he/she promises in accordance with the terms of their customer’s contract. so call us and check our database, go further and contact the motor vehicle unit in the ministry of commerce, science & technology, automobile dealers association or the Used Car Dealers Association. And as always, consult your friends, relatives and co-workers and listen to what they have to say.

Also do your own checks with car parts dealers and suppliers to find out if the parts are easily available and affordable. This is important so that maintenance of the vehicle does not become too costly.

Match Documentation To Vehicle
Having made your choice about engine size, colour, upholsery and other such details, you must be a responsible consumer and ensure that the accompanying documentation matches the vehicle that is being handed over to you. Verify chassis number and engine number match; look at the description of the vehicle on paper and see if it accurately describes your car, bus or truck. Ensure that your vehicle matches the year that you stipulated and do all this before leaving the vendor’s premises and if possible before handing over your final payment.

If you are buying a used vehicle check with the police department’s stolen motor vehicle unit.

Pay with a Cheque or Credit Card
It is a good rule to never make substantial payments with cash. cheques and credit cards allow you to keep your own records just in case something goes wrong. Keep in mind that when justifiable, payment maybe stopped on a cheque or credit card but is impossible to stop with cash. Make only the minimum down payment required.

Do A Physical Check
Whether new or used, check the engine of the vehicle; Look at the fluids and see if there is discolouration or rust. Look for stains as this points to a leak or a problem with the engine. Walk around the vehicle and see if you can identify any damages or rust. Use a small refrigerator magnet while doing this and place it along the various body panels. If there is PLASTIC filler the magnet will not stick and will indicate that the vehicle has been in an accident. If it has been, question the severity and do a service history check.

Look at the tyre wear to see if it is even. Uneven tyre wear could be a sign of damages. Push down on each corner of the vehicle to test the suspension; if it bounces more than twice then it could indicate a problem with the shocks or strut.

Go under the vehicle or get someone to do this for you; look to see if there is evidence that the vehicle had been reassembled i.e. cut in two (2) transported to Jamaica and then re-joined. This has implication for safety in the event of a collision and for re-sale as the value like the vehicle is cut in two (2). The only dealer authorized to reassemble vehicles like this in Jamaica is Excel Motors.

Ensure accessories requested seat belts; jacks and lug tool are in the vehicle.

Drive It
TEST DRIVE the vehicle before you decide to buy it. During the drive pay attention to: acceleration on a slope; vehicle alignment; smoke emission from the exhaust system; effectiveness of brakes; and general control of vehicle. Remember to test your seat belt.

Take Your Time
Do not be pressured into a sale. Go home and sleep on it. Discuss it with other persons and have a qualified mechanic conduct a thorough examination of the vehicle.

Additionally
Get a warranty

Check to see if there is a lien against the vehicle