While buying a used car can help you save money and still get a reliable vehicle, it can also be a risky process; especially if you don’t understand the rules in your state.
If you’re searching for cars for sale in Philadelphia, PA, you’ll need to know how to make the right buying choice and how to avoid some of the worst problems that plague potential buyers. From title errors to the need for inspections, not following the right steps can lead to a heavy pocketbook and legal trouble.
Here are some of the biggest mistakes that Pennsylvanians make when buying a used car and how you can avoid making them.
Not Checking a Vehicle’s History
One of the most common problems buyers make is not checking the background of the vehicle in question. Pennsylvania is a strict state on title branding, and a vehicle with a salvage or reconstructed title is supposed to be clearly labeled as such. However, there are still instances where the information isn’t properly filed. Always check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the vehicle to ensure it matches the information you have found.
Not Knowing Inspection Rules in Pennsylvania
Unlike many other states, Pennsylvania requires yearly inspections—including safety checks and emissions testing in various counties. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) enforces these laws, and if you have a car that hasn’t been inspected yet, you are out of compliance when you drive it. What’s even worse, if you buy a used vehicle that was never safety-tested or emissions-tested, you’re likely to be bringing home an unwarranted expense.
Before you ever agree to buy a car, make sure it’s been inspected. Request paperwork from the current owner, showing you when the last safety and emission checks were conducted. If it’s due for either or both, you will be responsible for conducting the inspection and for paying for potential repairs.
Not Paying for a Pre-Purchase Inspection
Trusting the other party is also a major mistake. Even if the car looks good and drives well, it may have some hidden damage that’s going to be expensive to repair.
Before you buy the car, hire a certified mechanic to evaluate its condition. If the vehicle has frame damage, signs of rust or fluid leaks, or engine concerns, a qualified professional can help you uncover these obstacles. An inspection may be an additional fee, but it’s worth it versus having to pay for a new engine or a lot of work on the car.
Even in cities like Philadelphia, salt from the roads can cause rust on the vehicle’s undercarriage, and this is very difficult to spot without a proper inspection.
Title transfer in Pennsylvania transactions requires a visit to an approved agent or notary service. Both the seller and the buyer must be present, and the title must be correctly signed and notarized.
Don’t part with your money until you’ve had confirmation of a match for the name on the title; liens on a vehicle must be released. The state’s Department of Transportation website provides information about how to correctly transfer a title and what paperwork is required. This information can be directly accessed at the official reproduction website.
How to buy with confidence in Pennsylvania
It’s easy to see that buying a used car in Pennsylvania can be much easier and free from potential risks. But don’t overlook the value of checking the vehicle’s history, inspecting its recorded inspection status, scheduling a professional mechanical evaluation, and taking great care to address the issue of how to transfer a car title in your name. Following a step-by-step method will ensure that this next car is reliable on the road and on the right side of the law. Making sure it’s also the right fit for your driving needs is down to you.