After enough inspections, patterns emerge. The same avoidable mistakes cost buyers money again and again. Here's how to sidestep all of them.
The ten mistakes
- Skipping the pre-purchase inspection to "save" money
- Shopping by monthly payment instead of total price
- Falling in love with a car before verifying it
- Trusting a clean history report as proof of a clean car
- Not test driving long enough or on the highway
- Ignoring maintenance records
- Buying in a rush or under sales pressure
- Overlooking title status and VIN mismatches
- Forgetting to budget for tax, insurance and repairs
- Wiring money before seeing the car and title in person
Watch Out
Mistake #1 is the costliest. The money "saved" by skipping an inspection is dwarfed by the repairs it would have caught.
CarLens Pro Tip
Slow down. Nearly every expensive mistake traces back to rushing. A car that's right today will still be right after an inspection.
Good to Know
Fix mistake #2 by always negotiating the out-the-door price. Payment-focused deals hide fees and stretched loan terms.
Not sure about a car you're eyeing? A CarLens Pre-Purchase Inspection puts a certified expert under the hood before you spend a dime.
Frequently Asked Questions
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