Drivers warned over 'tyre trick' when buying a used car
Drivers buying a used car are being warned to watch out for sophisticated scams they might face.
With used car prices falling may motorists will feel it is the right time to change their car for a better one.
But a motoring expert has urged people to be careful of two common scams they could come across, which he claims are becoming more sophisticated than they once were.
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Pete Ridley, automotive expert at Car Finance Saver said that, sadly, some car sales people will try and nail a sale by using questionable tactics to try and fool the buyer, reports the Express.
He explained: "We all have an image of a stereotypical dodgy car salesman, and unfortunately, some really do employ some questionable tactics to push sales.
"From over-inflating tyres to pre-warming the engine, there are many potential ploys car salesmen might use when selling a vehicle. That’s why knowing some of the most common, yet unusual tactics is important, so buyers don’t get deceived into a bad deal."
He explained that one of the most common scams currently affecting the used car market is dealers who over-inflate the tyres of the vehicle they are selling.
By doing this, sellers can quickly improve the ride quality of the vehicle and make the handling more responsive as the tyres are making less contact with the road surface.
However, in addition to rapidly realising that their new model is nowhere near as fun to use as it was on the test drive, used car buyers who fall for this scam put themselves at a much higher risk of skidding and blowouts.
It is advised that interested buyers should bring a small yet accurate tyre pressure gauge to the viewing, which can easily help them tell if the seller is trying to scam them.
Drivers should check the tyre pressures when the vehicle has been parked for at least 30 minutes, with the air inside warming up after long journeys, and compare the figure on their gauge with the manufacturer's recommended levels, which are typically printed on the frame of the driver's door.
Alternatively, this practice can also help used car buyers spot if the tyres are under-inflated, which could be a sign that the seller has not put enough attention into maintaining the vehicle.
Noise distraction is another common scam used, said Car Finance Saver. They warned drivers to look out for sellers who turn up the radio, shout, or cough unnecessarily during a test drive. They said they could be trying to hide faults with the engine or suspension, hoping that they will only be discovered once the vehicle is sold.
As a result, it is important that drivers firmly yet politely ask the seller to be quiet and listen out for any unusual signs, particularly when travelling over speed bumps or taking corners.
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