Buyers Steer Clear Of Cashed-In Clunkers

(NAPSI)-Nearly 700,000 used cars were traded in and sent to be scrapped under the federal Car Allowance Rebate System, or "Cash for Clunkers." But how many of those autos actually made it to the scrap yard? Experts say it could pay for used car buyers to ask just that.

Some now warn that although it is illegal to resell any car traded in under the Cash for Clunkers program, many of the used cars that were supposedly scrapped may in fact be resold around the country.

Protecting Yourself

Fortunately, there are ways for car buyers to protect themselves. For instance, working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Carfax recently added the vehicle identification number (VIN) of every car included in the Cash for Clunkers program to its database.

The information is available for free at www.carfax.com/clunkers. After plugging in the 17-digit VIN, the free check alerts buyers and sellers to any vehicle that was supposed to be scrapped as part of the initiative. The company's vehicle history reports also include the clunker information in addition to other important facts about a car's past--facts that a seller may be unaware of or choose not to reveal. Carfax Reports can indicate if a car was in a flood, fire or wreck or if its odometer may have been illegally rolled back.

It's also smart for shoppers to give a car a visual inspection and have the car inspected by a trusted mechanic before they buy. A few things to look for:

•Make sure the seller's name and the vehicle identification number matches on all documents and the car itself.

•Be aware of malfunctioning air bag indicator lights. The light should turn on briefly when you start the engine and then turn off.

•Cracked wires or interior rust; cars that were once under water will rot from the inside out. Wet wires become brittle and metal bolts and brackets will start rusting when they dry out.

Learn More

For more information on the Cash for Clunkers program and guidelines, visit www.cars.gov. For more information on vehicle history reports, visit www.carfax.com.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

CarMax Advises How to Avoid Flood-Damaged Cars

TT Note: It's always good to review the tips on how not to purchase a flood damaged car. Thought this was a good reminder.

(BUSINESS WIRE)--In the wake of recent flooding, CarMax, Inc., (NYSE: KMX), the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, is advising consumers on how to avoid purchasing flood-damaged vehicles.

“Consumers should be aware that some businesses and individuals may try to sell salvaged and flood-damaged cars without revealing the vehicle history,” said Jason Day, Atlanta region vice president of purchasing for CarMax. “Flood-damaged cars that are not structurally or mechanically sound could be repaired, re-titled, and sold to unsuspecting buyers.”

CarMax’s purchasing team offers these ten tips for identifying a vehicle with possible flood damage. If any of these signs are identified, ask further questions to determine if flood damage occurred:

1) Check for a moldy smell inside the car and feel the carpet for dampness

2) Be suspicious of an older car with a brand new interior or carpeting

3) Check for rust under the brake or gas pedals

4) Look for dirt or rust under the dashboard and floor mats

5) Inspect the bolts and screws under the seats for evidence of rust

6) Check the undercarriage for excessive rust

7) Check inside the trunk under the carpet and in the spare tire well area for rust, dirt or sand

8) Look for corrosion, water marks, or a thin brown line on the exterior of the vehicle

9) Check to see if the electrical system works

10) Check the VIN number with AutoCheck or Carfax to see whether a flood claim has been filed or a salvage title has been issued on the vehicle

CarMax provides a free AutoCheck vehicle history report for every used vehicle. CarMax’s nationwide team of more than 800 car-buyers is trained to detect whether a car has flood damage or has been in a major accident. CarMax will not retail any car that has flood or frame damage or an odometer or title discrepancy.

----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Beware When Shopping Going-Out-Of-Business Sales

(SPM Wire) Going-out-of-business sales can mean huge discounts, but Better Business Bureau is warning shoppers to beware of false deals.

"The bargains are not always as advertised at going-out-of business sales and some consumers don't realize they're getting ripped off when they're supposed to be getting a deal," said Steve Cox, BBB spokesperson.

When a large retailer liquidates assets, the sale is undertaken by a liquidator who sets prices and attempts to sell items quickly and at the highest profit. So, some items actually will be marked up.

In 2008, an ABC News report revealed that many items sold during one liquidation sale were marked up as much as 14 percent.

The BBB offers this advice:

Confirm that a deal IS a deal. Some liquidators mark up prices, while a store's competitors sometimes drop prices to compete with liquidation sales.

Use credit cards. Credit cards include consumer protections if the company doesn't deliver on promised goods.

Don't count on customer service. Consumers might be responsible for delivery of large items. Understand all sales are final and you don't have many options if dissatisfied.

Know the warranty status before buying. Warranties are often maintained by manufacturers or third-parties, meaning they still apply if the retailer goes out of business.

Use gift cards ASAP. Businesses in liquidation won't survive long, so don't get stuck with worthless plastic.

For more consumer advice visit www.bbb.org.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page