Is there a generally accepted way to verify the quality of used cars purchased over the Internet?

Question

Is there a generally accepted way to verify the quality of used cars purchased over the Internet?

Answer 1

Sort of.  The best thing you can do it buy a Carfax report.  But even then, you're not going to get the whole story on a car.  The only time anything will be reported to a carfax report is if an insurance claim has been filed of if it has been totaled.  Any other damage won't be recorded.  Good luck.  There are alot of cars damaged by Katrina that are in circulation right now when they should be totaled because they're still unsafe.

Answer 2

The only way to verify the quality of any used car is to have it inspected by a certified mechanic that you trust.  And that is pretty hard to do with a long distance transaction. There is no other way to verify quality.  

The only thing you can do is to have a signed document guaranteeing you a full and complete refund (including any shipping charges that you paid for) if the car fails an inspection after the car arrives.  

But the best thing to do is to fly or drive (depending on the distance) and pick the car up in person.  That way you can do all the inspection work, the test drive and all the tire kicking you need to do BEFORE you hand over your hard earned cash.  

The reality is, unless the car is something extremely rare or special you should conduct your business with someone locally.  Be patient, the right car at the right price will come along sooner or later.  It's a buyers market out there. There are so many more cars for sale then th ere are buyers that you will find the car you need locally, just give it time.

Answer 3

No. You have to be very careful and very knowledgeable to buy a car online, sight unseen.

Answer 4

the best way I've heard of is to find the location of the vehicle and then talk with the buyer to get them to agree to an independent vehicle inspection.  You can then make arrangements to pay a new car dealer in the area who handles the vehicle you are looking to purchase to do the vehicle inspection for you.  Most dealers charge between $50 and $100 to do a complete inspection of the mecahnical, safety and emissions systems and to put in writing the results of their inspections.  that way if the vehicle is a bust you've invested your money wisely; if the cars okay then  you'll have the confidence of doing that.  if the person selling the car won't agree to having this done then just walk away--there are thousands of cars out there.

there are no standards on the internet for vehicle quality.  most new car dealers who sell cars of their own brand sell "certified" used cars that come with a warranty from the manufacturer.  those vehicles have to meet qualification standards and the vehicles must be reconditioned to those standards in order to qualify for the warranty.  Yes, they are generally more expensive but you again get a higher level of confidence and a warranty on the used car.  Independents and private sales can't do that.

bh