Anyone car savvy around here?🚗

[XoMissScarlett]

I plan to buy a cheap used car this weekend and could use some insight before I start inquiring about the cars I think I like.

The biggest area being, are there any warning signs to watch for that would indicate I'm going to be scammed into buying a car destined to die sooner than later?

I am also having some confusion about car ads that clearly state they do not have a title for the car. I have only bought one car previous to now and it was from a dealership so they did have the title but idk how you can buy the car without the title? I am not able to purchase from a dealership this time because my budget wont buy one from there lot in cash and I dont qualify for financing.

Any other additional insights you may want to share with me are welcomed!!

[Unique_Carpenter]

Originally Posted by XoMissScarlett

....
I am also having some confusion about car ads that clearly state they do not have a title for the car. ...

Unless you know exactly how to deal with non-title available cars, that's a no fly zone. That type of thing can be time consuming to deal with, and in the meantime, you can't get plates.

[aztec.native.97]

Originally Posted by XoMissScarlett

I plan to buy a cheap used car this weekend and could use some insight before I start inquiring about the cars I think I like.

The biggest area being, are there any warning signs to watch for that would indicate I'm going to be scammed into buying a car destined to die sooner than later?

I am also having some confusion about car ads that clearly state they do not have a title for the car. I have only bought one car previous to now and it was from a dealership so they did have the title but idk how you can buy the car without the title? I am not able to purchase from a dealership this time because my budget wont buy one from there lot in cash and I dont qualify for financing.

Any other additional insights you may want to share with me are welcomed!!

I always research the type of car that I want at the time. Pick-up, compact car, etc. Then I go to the library and the internet to see what general price range I can afford. After that I keep my eyes open for cars in that general price range. When I do get around to test driving a car, I also get the Car Fax. It's not a guaranteed way to purchase, but it has always served me well.

[stacy in kc]

I’m bought and sold quite a few used cars.
Download the car guru ap, it’s very useful.
Stay away from buy here pay here lots, there’s a huge markup on their cars.
What are you looking to spend on a car? I can point you to the right places and tell you which ones to avoid,and what to look for before during and after test driving a car. Pm me if you want to know more.

[RocketSurgeon]

Never buy without a title. These days, cars without titles are usually stolen.

[TailHooked]

If there is no title, then walk away. I am not sure of your price range, but skip the lots if you can. They are in business like everyone else. So they will make as much as they can. A local person can get you the best deal. You can horse trade to a point. Just check out online about the model being offered. Were there a lot of problems with that model, are they more expensive to maintain, look at the car to see if there are body repair hints(been in an accident) excessive oil/transition leakage on the underside of the car. Check the tires for uneven wear, cuts or dry rot. Simple things like doors closing, windows go up and down, locks work and all lights working. If everything checks out and you decide on one, remember cash on hand can get you a couple hundred less. Just tell them you have another car to look at. A motivated seller will not say no to a little less. Which you can use for insurance and tags.

[GoBlue34z]

I would look for an ugly car. Honestly if you are going cheap dont buy something flashy mechanically sound and comfortable

[Enchanterlingum]

Sometimes you can get pretty good deals on cars at estate sales. Just make sure they have the title. If a company is doing the sale, they will.



The kids generally don't want grandma's 15-year-old 40,000 mile go to church Cadillac and they will go for 2-3 grand.

[XoMissScarlett]

Thank you everyone for the info! Im not looking for anything fancy just something that has 4 doors but right now I only have 1500 for a car and I'm not finding much that even runs or has a title in that range. Sooo back to the drawing board until I get my broken car sold and gather up some more cash!