2009 July | Used Cars Online

Check That VIN Twice

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

More than likely, one of the last things on anyone’s mind as they’re buying a used car is whether or not the vehicle is stolen. Unfortunately, cars with a shady past get bought and sold in this country every day. Take this story from the National Insurance Crime Bureau. According to a press release issued by the bureau, a Cadillac Escalade was stolen from Coral Gables, Florida. The thieves then manufactured a new VIN plate to obtain a clean title and sold the vehicle to an unsuspecting buyer all the way in Orange, California.

The buyer specializes in converting vehicles into limousines for fleet service, and set about converting his new, high-dollar SUV into a stretch limousine. Once the work was complete, the limo-builder sold the vehicle to a Texas business man for the princely sum of $125,000. When the buyer went to obtain a new Texas title for the truck, he was alerted to the fact that Cadillac had never produced a vehicle with that VIN, and the authorities seized the vehicle. Now the buyer and the limo builder are out a truck and their money. The authorities are currently attempting to locate the offending thieves and con artists.

The NICB urges buyers looking to pick up a used vehicle to check the VIN against the bureau’s free database. Doing so could alert you to a possible stolen vehicle, saving you thousands. [Source: NICB]

Tags: Fraud, Insruance, National Insurance Crime Bureau, NICB, Stolen Car, Used Car
Posted in hot news | 1 Comment »

Vandals Strike Used Car Dealerships

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

Sales may be climbing for used car dealers everywhere, even in an otherwise tight economy, but a few locations have had to combat a new challenge. A few dealerships around the country have suffered vandalism in recent months. According to the Gaston Gazette, up to six used Ford Mustangs received damage at the hands of an unknown number of vandals. A set of wheels was stolen, and someone through a brick through one of the vehicle’s side glass before setting it on fire. The North Carolina dearlership says the damage totals more than $6,000, and so far police have no leads.

Similarly, another dealership in Shakopee, Minnesota had a vehicle’s dash ripped out and wheels stolen. Around 12 other vehicles had their windows smashed, but nothing taken from inside. According to the Shakopee Valley News, dealership owner Tom Mulcare will have to pay for the damage out of pocket as his cars have only liability coverage. So far the police have no leads on either case of vandalism.

Tags: Dealer, Fire, Used Car Dealership, Vandal, Vandalism
Posted in hot news | 1 Comment »

Used Car Prices Keep Climbing

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

If you’re looking to sell your used car or truck, now couldn’t be a better time. According to Bloomberg News, used car prices continued to rise last month. That makes June the sixth month in a row where wholesale car prices have climbed. The figures are up 5.8 percent from June, 2008 and 16.4 percent since January, 2009. Unfortunately, the reason for the increase in used car value has less to do with buyer demand and more to do with the number of cars available.

It’s no secret used car sales are absolutely dismal, and as such, there are fewer trade-ins available. What’s more, rental companies aren’t replacing their fleet vehicles with the same frequency as before. The result is fewer available vehicles than the market is accustomed to. What’s more, lower gas prices have spurred an interest in big, thirsty vehicles like SUVs and pick-up trucks – causing their value to climb as well.

While supply may be the main factor, the Bloomberg article says that while a rise in wholesale used vehicle prices is usually a precursor to higher demand for new vehicles, this time that may not be true. With credit still frigid in most parts of the country, few analysts predict the masses will come running to new car dealers anytime soon.

Tags: Pick Up, Prices, SUV, Used Car, Used Car Prices
Posted in hot news | No Comments »

Used Car Sellers Scammed in Cleveland

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

Police in Cleveland, OH are searching for a man accused of scamming individuals trying to sell their used cars through the classifieds. According to Fox 8, Anthony Kimbrough talks sellers down from their asking price. When the price comes down, Kimbrough says he has a cashier’s check made out to the higher amount, and asks the seller to give him change. Kimbrough then has the seller drive him to a relative’s house to retrieve the check, then makes off with the sellers change. In the end, the house turns out to belong to a stranger.

In one case, Kimbrough made off with $900. Watch the video above for the full story.

It’s not uncommon for less than trust worthy individuals to take advantage of people selling their used cars. While the police are doing all they can to protect the public from predatory individuals, those looking to take your hard-earned money will always find a new way to take advantage of your trust. In the end, it’s important to remember that no matter how nice a person seems, it’s best to protect yourself first and worry about being rude second. [Source: Fox8]

Tags: Cleveland, Money, Ohio, Scam, Selling, Selling Used Cars, Used Cars
Posted in hot news | 2 Comments »