When you're buying a car, you must be really careful because there are a lot of scammers out there. A lot of people will clone cars, which means they tell you it's one type when it's a total other car. They do this by putting another body on a car, so the vin numbers won't match. Scary stuff, huh?

Also, when buying from a dealership, they will tell you how much the car will cost but will not mention the tax. Make sure to ask for the total after tax.

You also have to be careful about craigs list scammers. They tell you that they are having trouble getting the car overseas etc. The scammers don't give much information to the buyer. They will tell you to wire your money into and escrow service that will hold your money until the deal goes through. Guess what there is no escrow service. The money is picked up and the number is disconnected.

You also have to be careful about craigs list scammers. They tell you that they are having trouble getting the car overseas etc. The scammers don't give much information to the buyer. They will tell you to wire your money into and escrow service that will hold your money until the deal goes through. Guess what there is no escrow service. The money is picked up and the number is disconnected.

Wah thanks for the information you guys. I have heard bad things about eBay and car buying but it seems you have to be extra careful wherever you go to make a purchase. Where does everyone here get their cars from?

I agree with you there. Those dealers are in it for the money and they will say and do whatever they have to in order to get a sale. It's really sad, and that's why I could never do that for a living.

There are some dealers there that are honest. You just have to do your research online or by foot to make sure you are getting what you pay for. I got my classic car from a good friend who buys and sells them here in CO.

There is some very sage advise in this thread. Sometimes people say it is just common sense. But I always look back to the first time I bought a car, and I so wish someone who knew about buying pre-owned cars had taken me by the hand, and shown me the ropes. I would have had a great many less problems.

You really have to watch out for a lot of tricks scammers use but if you know your car it's unlikely you will get scammed.

This is a really great tip. I have heard about the escrow scammers. And you do have to be VERY careful when buying cars off of Ebay. I have done it before, but done a ton of research first. And I'd never get a car off of Craigslist, no matter what.

Some great info here. Always run the VIN number and I have always taken a professional mechanic with me when i first look at a car. It lets the seller know that I know what i'm doing (or at least I have someone with me who does!).

Also I think one of the best things mentioned here is the tip about how the salesmen at the dealers won't tell you about the taxes. We hear that a car is $XXX amount of dollars, but then it can be quite a bit extra for taxes! That's how they get us. Sigh.

I hate to say it, but these days, I only buy cars from the fellas that I know. I have been doing it long enough that I have some pretty good connections; I'm fortunate that way. But I almost resist buying from someone I don't know if I can trust. That's just the way it is.