Used Car Scam (The Today Show)

[Dockworker]

I agree. My track of thought is that if it sounds to good to be true, it usually is. People don't think about long term. Let's say you buy a escalade for 30k over a 6 year term. Let's say the car already had 80k miles on it when you bought it. If you do a lot of driving, you're looking at 300,000 miles or more by the end of the term. Imagine paying for maintenance for said vehicle on top of monthly payments. No thanks.

I've seen a bunch of my friends buy used cars from private parties and dealers with high mileage only to have major trouble down the line. Timing belt, wheel bearings, water pump, radiator, computer/ electronic problems and the dreaded emissions problems. They should try to ask for the repair records or some proof that car was maintained.
Maybe a car from CarMax or any Certified used car at a dealer might be different, as they have some sort of warranty.

There is a few good shows on Velocity TV. You actually learn how to wheel and deal on used cars.

[sharpshooter]

I just don't want another persons headache

LOL..I always buy other peoples "headaches" but, not the 2-3yr old stuff that you have to get a loan for. It's usually something atleast 7yrs old that has something wrong with it that they just don't want to deal with, or put money into.
Last year I bought an 87' Jeep Cherokee for 800 that wouldn't start, it just needed a camshaft sensor (they didn't know that) and it's been great since. Plus, instead of a 4-500 a yr property tax bill, I get a 40 dollar one, don't carry collision, and it's exempt from emissions testing where I live. The nicest part is, NO car payment every month!!

[Dockworker]

LOL..I always buy other peoples "headaches" but, not the 2-3yr old stuff that you have to get a loan for. It's usually something atleast 7yrs old that has something wrong with it that they just don't want to deal with, or put money into.
Last year I bought an 87' Jeep Cherokee for 800 that wouldn't start, it just needed a camshaft sensor (they didn't know that) and it's been great since. Plus, instead of a 4-500 a yr property tax bill, I get a 40 dollar one, don't carry collision, and it's exempt from emissions testing where I live. The nicest part is, NO car payment every month!!

Those kinds of finds would be nice!

[sharpshooter]

Those kinds of finds would be nice!

There are alot around actually. I didn't need to buy the Jeep but, hey, for 800 why not? I have a 91' S-10 Blazer that I drive everyday, I bought it for 1500 5yrs ago. The 4x4 didn't work but, it was mint otherwise and it was just a bad vacuum hose. That was another deal where the owner didn't want to spend the money to have it looked at.
I'll admit, when I lived in upstate NY it was much more difficult to find these deals because of the rust. In the south, they're everywhere, especially in rural areas.

[pro1driver]

ok, here is what i do not understand. this one guy buys a used cadilac escalade for $30,000. for that money (actually LESS), he could have had a brand new car. frankly, i am glad he got stuck. buy from a legitimate dealership and no worries. he said he was just a regular joe schmo. he's a regular working man, but buys a gas guzzler..??? another moron.

[sharpshooter]

ok, here is what i do not understand. this one guy buys a used cadilac escalade for $30,000. for that money (actually LESS), he could have had a brand new car. frankly, i am glad he got stuck. buy from a legitimate dealership and no worries. he said he was just a regular joe schmo. he's a regular working man, but buys a gas guzzler..??? another moron.

it's all about the "image"

[pro1driver]

it's all about the "image"

that is right. my "image" is that if no one likes my Beach Sand Metallic Toyota Camry, too frickin' bad.

i personally have no one i am trying to impress.

but yep, there are those that need to "keep up with the Jones's"

[Dockworker]

I see people who just have to have the best car, yet live in a box.

[Airbrakes]

that is right. my "image" is that if no one likes my Beach Sand Metallic Toyota Camry, too frickin' bad.

i personally have no one i am trying to impress.

but yep, there are those that need to "keep up with the Jones's"

Pretty much how I feel. My car isn't the best looking out there, and it isn't the most expensive. But, it's new and fuel efficient. I bought the car for 18,000; and it had 14 miles on it when I drove it off the dealers lot. You will never see me broke down on the side of the highway as I see with plenty of Cadillacs and whatnot. Plus, most luxury cars depreciate faster than any other car on the road. Buy a escalade for 30,000 and you'll be lucky to get 10,000 for it after 5 years. That's why I tend to stick with the Hondas and Toyotas and they don't depreciate as fast.

ok, here is what i do not understand. this one guy buys a used cadilac escalade for $30,000. for that money (actually LESS), he could have had a brand new car. frankly, i am glad he got stuck. buy from a legitimate dealership and no worries. he said he was just a regular joe schmo. he's a regular working man, but buys a gas guzzler..??? another moron.

As this video pointed out, some of these used cars came from 'legitimate dealerships'. You take a gamble with any used car you buy, no matter where you buy it from. You're best bet to avoid buying a stolen used car is to buy one from a police auction.

[Docker]

Robert Russell Found His Own Car, Stolen 42 Years Ago, On eBay

LOS ANGELES — A Texas man whose prized sports car was stolen 42 years ago recovered the vehicle in California after spotting it on eBay, authorities said Sunday.

Robert Russell told the Los Angeles County sheriff's officials that he had never given up searching for the 1967 Austin-Healey after it was stolen from his Philadelphia home in 1970.

Robert Russell Found His Own Car, Stolen 42 Years Ago, On eBay