Support National Salvage Vehicles Database
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Every try to buy a used car? About as much fun as going to the dentist.
Not to disparage dentists, or the used car industry, but it can be very tricky. The used car stuff that is.
Vehicles that have been totaled, flooded, fire-damaged, sold and re-sold several times over, and even stolen have been salvaged, repaired and sold to innocent buyers across the nation. People will have the car fixed up and sell it to get it off their hands. Forget regulation at this time.
In 1992, Congress tried to remedy the lack of oversight by passing a law calling for a nationwide database that would give people shopping for cars and trucks information about used vehicles.
The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System is a good idea. In September, a call went out to consumers concerning the Proposed Rules, which must be submitted on or before November 21, 2008.
So far the Department of Transportation and the Department of Justice have failed to implement the database, putting consumers in danger of compromised unsafe vehicles and safety features such as airbags that don’t work.
The database would allow consumers to instantly check the validity of a vehicle’s title, mileage and history of theft or damage. The data would have to be reported by insurance companies and junk and salvage yards. Failing to do so, Public Citizen the consumer group, has gone to court to find the federal government in violation of the 1992 law.
It would help consumers such as Jed Faulkner of Farmville, VA. He and his son bought a used 1999 Ford Ranger pickup truck from a local dealer. When they went to trade in the truck they found it had been totaled and owned by 11 people between 1999 and 2003.
People had just lied about the vehicle in the past to pass on the problem to others.
Minus a database- definitely have a used car checked by a mechanic. Try to buy a car with a warranty; avoid “as is” purchases – even if it’s a limited warranty. But read the details of any warranty to be clear on what exactly is covered and not covered.
If the dealer claims their service shop has done a 146-point inspection, review exactly what they inspected, what they found, what they fixed and/or replaced, and if anything is under warranty from this inspection.
To get a vehicle history, you can visit www.vehix.com however this is not a complete history. And lastly, talk to friends and get recommendations to good auto dealerships.
Bottom line, don’t buy a used car without doing your homework. It may take a little time, but it will be well worth it in the long run – not just for your pocketbook, but for the safety of you and your loved ones. #