Latest news with #carinspection
Motor 1
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
‘Always Bring a Mechanic!:' Driver Buys Honda On Facebook Marketplace. Then They Have to Get Towed Minutes Later
Buying a used car can feel like a smart move, until your 'deal' gets hauled away before the ink is dry. A viral TikTok shows the all-too-common risk of buying cars from strangers on Facebook Marketplace with no inspection, no warranty, and no safety net. The clip from creator Dunce (@ytliaw) starts with a celebratory closeup of the Honda purchased fresh from its former owner via a Facebook Marketplace listing. Then we get a quick cut to see the SUV being readied for its ride on a flatbed tow truck to address an unnamed mechanical issue. We don't learn how much she paid for the Honda or any other details of the deal, but it's easy to understand the disappointment and anger that come with a car purchase gone bad. The Risk of Facebook Marketplace Deals Buying a used car directly from a private seller on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist can be a roll of the dice. These platforms have made car shopping more convenient and often cheaper, but they've also opened the door to a flood of poorly maintained or outright deceptive listings. Unlike licensed dealerships , private sellers aren't required to offer warranties or disclose mechanical issues beyond what's visible. And there's no regulatory safety net if the vehicle breaks down as soon as you leave the driveway. In many states, once money changes hands, the sale is considered 'as is,' meaning the buyer takes full responsibility—even if the car turns out to be a lemon. According to the Federal Trade Commission , common risks in private sales include: No warranty or service guarantees No vehicle history report unless the buyer purchases it No cooling-off period to reverse the sale Hidden title issues or odometer fraud Scams and deceptive practices are prevalent enough that the FTC and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) both published detailed guides warning consumers to take extra precautions when buying from individuals. Some states also require sellers to complete disclosure forms , but enforcement is uneven. Peer-to-peer vehicle sales now account for a significant portion of used car transactions in the US, but accurate data is hard to track. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace don't provide transaction oversight, and complaints typically end up with local authorities, if they're filed at all. Tips for Buying a Used Car Privately Despite the risks, plenty of buyers safely and successfully purchase used vehicles directly from individuals, but it takes preparation and skepticism. Here are some key tips from , the FTC , and the National Insurance Crime Bureau to avoid ending up like the TikTok creator: Bring a mechanic. A pre-purchase inspection from a trusted professional could reveal issues with the engine, transmission, brakes, or electrical system that a seller might not disclose—or even be aware of. Look for red flags. Mismatched body panels, uneven tire wear, a lit check engine light, or an obvious jump-start can all signal deeper problems. Run the VIN. Use tools like Carfax, AutoCheck, or the free NICB VINCheck to check for salvage history, theft, flood damage, or total loss. Request service records. A well-maintained car usually comes with receipts, oil change logs, or digital service history. No paperwork? That's a potential red flag. Meet in daylight in a public place. Many police departments offer designated 'safe exchange zones' for private sales. Don't rush. If the seller pressures you to make a fast decision, walk away. A legitimate deal won't evaporate in an hour. Get everything in writing. Always complete a bill of sale and confirm the seller's identity. Inspect the title carefully for lienholders, incorrect VINs, or signs of tampering. Know your local laws. Some states require temporary tags or insurance before driving off. Check with your state DMV for requirements. And if You Get Burned… If a used car purchase goes south, buyers aren't necessarily out of options. Consumer protection agencies in many states, including the office of the Attorney General and the DMV, may offer mediation or assist with fraud complaints. If there's evidence of deception, such as a forged title, falsified mileage, or undisclosed mechanical issues, buyers may be able to pursue compensation in small claims court. Some states also provide limited legal recourse or buyer protection programs for private vehicle sales. Insurance companies may also be worth contacting, particularly if the vehicle was covered and failed due to concealed issues like flood damage . In some cases, a policy could help offset the cost of repairs or a total loss. And while it won't recover your money, sharing your experience on platforms like TikTok, Reddit, or Facebook can help raise awareness, warn others, and potentially pressure bad actors into accountability. Motor1 reached out to Dunce via direct message. We'll update this article if we hear back. Now Trending 'Very Common:' Woman's Chevrolet Tahoe Has 55,000 Miles and Is in and Out of the Shop. Why Has It Been 'Problem After Problem'? 'Never Go to Those Little Gas Stations:' Truck Fills Gas Tanks at Advanced Station. Then a Nissan, Mercedes, 3rd Car Won't Start Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
UAE Moments
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- UAE Moments
What to Check Before Buying a Used Car in 2025
Thinking about buying a used car in 2025 but not sure where to start? You're in the right place for a used car buyer guide 2025. In today's fast-paced city life, getting maximum value, peace‑of‑mind, and reliability from a used ride matters. But hidden issues, sketchy paperwork, or overlooked maintenance can turn a smart purchase into a headache. In this guide, you'll learn what to check before buying a used car in 2025 —from setting a realistic budget to running mechanical inspections, test-driving techniques, and spotting red flags. We also break down legal steps, savvy negotiation tactics, and when a certified pre-owned car might be worth it. Whether you're after a sporty hatchback or rugged compact SUV, this roadmap ensures you're covered—and cruising with confidence. Ready? Let's hit the used car inspection checklist 2025, and here's how to inspect a used car before buying. 1. Set Your Budget & Plan Buying a used car means more than the sticker price. Factor in road tax, insurance, fuel, service, and potential repairs. Research " used car financing 2025" to avoid surprises. Decide early if you want a certified pre-owned model with warranty or a basic used one—CPOs cost more upfront but can save you long‑term in reliability and resale value. 2. Do Your Research Start with model reviews and reliability data—for example, check Consumer Reports or CarGurus. Investigate recalls for your specific year and model using VIN searches. When comparing prices locally, search ' used car market 2025 ' to understand fair value. Knowing the car's typical trade‑in vs private-sale rates gives you leverage when negotiating. 3. Check Vehicle History Never skip the vehicle history report. Look for accident history, flood damage, title branding, and odometer tampering. Consumer Reports shares a valuable vehicle history check tips, stressing the importance of verifying mileage and maintenance via services like Carfax. A clean report doesn't guarantee a perfect ride, but it's a strong filter. 4. Inspect Exterior & Interior Walk around in daylight! Uneven paint, mismatched panels, or rust—even small dents—might hint at bigger damage. Don't forget to check the frame and undercarriage. Inside, test windows, infotainment, climate control, and upholstery. Smells like smoke or mildew could mean hidden water damage. 5. Mechanical & Under‑Bonnet Check Lift the hood and review oil, coolant, brake—all should be clear. A milky fluid could signal head gasket issues. Look for fluid leaks, worn belts, or frayed wiring. Ask the seller to start the engine cold—this can reveal faint ticking or misfires. 6. Suspension & Tires Bounce each corner of the car to test shocks—only one bounce means good dampers. Inspect tires: tread depth, even wear (misalignment hint), and look for cracks or bulges. Tire health hints at how hard the car has been driven and if suspension parts may be worn. 7. Test Drive Smartly Let the car warm up, then drive on city streets and highways. Listen for noises—thumps over bumps, squeals on turns, or grinding brakes. Feel for smooth acceleration. Test the AC thoroughly—no kip in Dubai, right? Finally, ensure steering is tight and brakes stop smoothly without pulling. 8. Negotiation & Pricing Use your findings—minor repairs, worn tires, detailing—as bargaining chips. Pull up your market price data and present transparent reasons for your offer. Sellers respect buyers who know their numbers. Financing? Getting pre-approved can give you leverage. 9. Paperwork & Legal Steps Ensure title, registration, and VINs all match. Ask for proof of insurance, valid MOT or safety certificate. If you're buying a certified pre-owned car, verify the warranty paperwork. Factor in transfer fees and inspection costs before signing—and never sign blank forms. 10. Spot Red Flags Watch for hubcaps taped on, odd serial numbers on VIN plates, mismatched mileage on records, or sellers rushing the paperwork. These could be signs of cloned or stolen cars. Trust your gut—walk away if something feels off. Quick Takeaways Budget smart: include insurance, maintenance, and fuel. Research model reliability and recall history. Always get a vehicle history report. Inspect under the hood and test-drive thoroughly. Use findings to negotiate price confidently. Handle all legal steps correctly—don't skip paperwork. Trust instincts—if something's off, walk away. FAQs Can I skip a professional pre-purchase inspection? A short and private inspection can help, but a certified mechanic's review is safest—especially to catch hidden problems. How much does a vehicle history report cost? Typically USD 30–40 via Carfax or AutoCheck—it's a small price to avoid costly surprises. Is a certified pre-owned car worth it? CPOs cost more but often include warranties, inspected parts, and can be worth it in reliability and resale. What's acceptable mileage for a 2025 used car? Around 10,000–15,000 miles/year is average. Significantly higher or lower mileage warrants more scrutiny. Should I buy an extended warranty? Extended coverage can bail you out if repairs come up—especially for older models approaching wear thresholds. Buying a used car in 2025 doesn't have to be nerve-wracking—it just takes preparation to avoid hidden issues in used cars. From budgeting to mechanical inspections, test-driving properly, and understanding legal steps, you'll protect your wallet and get a reliable ride. Avoid red flags, use data for negotiation, and consider a certified option for extra peace of mind. Ready to hit the road with confidence? Start your search today and drive smart.
Motor 1
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
'Hertz Would Never:' Man Gets Pulled Over In a Rental. Then He Reaches For the Enterprise Car's Registration
This man was pulled over by police while driving. But he says it's clearly Enterprise's fault. When you rent a car, you know to inspect the vehicle beforehand for any scratches or damage that you don't want to end up getting blamed (or forced to pay) for. But it wouldn't cross your mind to think twice about the car's paperwork, like whether the inspection is up to date, the car is properly registered, or if it's recently been reported stolen. These rental places are legit businesses after all, and you'd expect everything to be above board. Right? This customer found out the hard way that some rental car companies aren't as responsible as you'd expect them to be, and people jumped in the comment section to back him up. What Happened With Enterprise Rent-A-Car? In a viral video with more than 780,000 views and hundreds of comments, content creator Staś (@staseatsstuff) shared the terrible experience he had with Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Enterprise is one of the largest car rental companies in the world, with more than 9,500 branch offices in nearly 100 countries, according to its website . You can rent anything from a practical SUV to a luxury vehicle for just a weekend or up to a long-term rental. Despite its general reputation for good service, some customers have reported issues like overbooking, lack of vehicle availability, unnecessary upselling, and bad communication. And Staś is here to add another glaring issue to the list. 'What rental place gives you a car with a registration expired?' Staś said. In the background, you could see that there was a cop car pulled up behind him. 'Hertz would NEVER,' he added in the caption. Though commenters assured him that Hertz would do him just as dirty or worse. Can You Auto-Renew Vehicle Registration? Some commenters mentioned that it may be the case that the registration had automatically renewed, but that the car just didn't have the updated sticker on it. Most states make it easy for you to renew your car registration online, by mail, or in person. However, automatic renewal is only offered in some states. Some places require supplementary information, like an inspection or smog test, before re-registering, which makes auto-renewal unfeasible. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or give them a call to confirm your options. This Happened to Another Person—It Temporarily Ruined Her Life In 2022, a Baltimore woman was given a ticket for driving an Enterprise rental car with expired tags, the Baltimore ABC station WMAR 2 News reported . While the manager at Enterprise assured her that the issue would be taken care of, a couple of months later, she got mail letting her know her license would be suspended if the ticket went unpaid. Corporate then said they'd take care of it, yet a few months later, the woman was pulled over and informed that her license was suspended over the ticket. 'I apparently got a court date that I didn't get in the mail, so I had missed that and got a failure to appear and got a warrant,' she told the television station. Between a lawyer, fees, and court costs, the Enterprise issue ended up costing Bell $3,000 and more than a year of headaches. Commenters React to the Enterprise Headache Several people in the comment section shared their own similar horror stories. 'Enterprise gave me a car they reported stolen the previous day and I was pulled over at gun point. Still suing,' a person shared. 'Enterprise is also known to scam people by claiming damages when there is none,' another alleged. There have been disputed claims of this nature in the past. 'Yep they did the same thing to me! Half way to our vacation, and stopped for gas and noticed it. Called the local office and they said they would take care of the ticket if we got one!' a commenter wrote. It's unclear what came of this creator's experience. Motor1 reached out to Staś for comment via email and Instagram direct message and to Enterprise via email. We'll update this article if either party responds. Now Trending 'Can't Unsee It:' Why Are Drivers Flipping Their Ford Logos Around? 'Watched Too Much Fast & Furious:' MK4 Toyota Supra Evades Police on Highway. Then a Trooper Conducts 'Insane' PIT Maneuver Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
RNZ News
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- RNZ News
Customers turned away from VTNZ because of dog hair
Checkpoint is aware of two customers who've been turned away from VTNZ because inspectors deemed their cars too dirty, with dog hair. Lynne was going for a Warrant of Fitness but the fallout from her dog was apparently too much for the inspector at the Kingsland testing station. Another customer Anna's son failed his restricted drivers license test as there was dog hair and sand in the car. Anna spoke to Lisa Owen. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
