Concerns on buying cars from 2nd hand dealer
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Dear brothers and sisters,
I am thinking to get a used cars, however I am not confortable with getting cars from Used car dealers due to the stories from my friends and relatives.
issues like arm-wrestling tactics during selling, hide past accident records and hidden costs....are what I have heard so far.
Care to share some of the bad incidents encountered?
Any kind souls here got any good 2nd hand car dealers to recommend? I am sure there must be a couple around.
Thank you in advance for your contribution. -
u would not get a good deal on used car now as their prices then were higher than now, COE was also much higher....
why not consider going for a new car.... low downpayment and probably similar installments to that of a used car.... new warranty too -
Hi.
I guess if you want to go for a 2nd hand car, that is the risk you have to bear. In my opinion, no car dealers or salesman is 100% truthful when it comes to selling you things. This is just human nature. I won't be 100% truthful also if I happen to be a salesman. Facts of life bro.
And yes, car dealers will hide accident records and stuff from you.
For myself, I was conned into believing that
a) My 2nd car is 100% stock (when I later learnt that the car was turbo-charged by the previous owner and immense mods had been done to the engine)
b) The rims are good rims cos they are 17" (when I later learnt that the rims are actually cheapo scrapyard rims).
c) The car's previous owner is 'blur blur' one so he couldn't have done much drastic things to the car (when I later learnt that the owner is a rich person who is damn experienced in mods, and car modding is his hobby).
d) The bodykit is original (when I later learnt that it is replica).
e) ... and amongst many other things....
So bro, you got to judge it for yourself. Bring with you another friend(s) so that there are more opinions.
Cheerios!!
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My experiences with 2nd hand car dealers have been frustrating - whether its buying or selling a car. More often than not, they are ah bengs who are tactless.
There was once after I test-drove a car, I couldn't decide if it was worth the price. So I told him the truth, and that won't make a decision yet. He just pointed to the Singapore Pools shop nearby and said "go there and buy Toto....when you hit, then come back to see me again".
There was another time when I wanted to buy a certain car. On that day, there were a few advertisments in the paper's classified ads for this type of car. Maybe I was stupid for being too honest....when I visited the first dealer, I told him the truth "I'm interested in this model, but as you know there are a few of these on sale today and I want to try at least a few before making my final decision". His reply was "oh, all the ads in the papers today are ours - and all are for this same car, so no need to call others already. You want, you can just buy". Talk cock!
There were even twice where I made an appointment to view the car. When I reached there and asked to view the car, they pointed to the car and said "there is the car, you go and view it lor". Then they continued to go about their own business, ignoring me and leaving me standing there like a fool.
There was once when after I viewed the car, he told me "actually, another person has already offered to buy this car....so if you want to give a higher offer, I can let you have it". I refused....and after a few weeks, I saw the same car still being advertised in the papers (classified ads). They lied.
Their general attitude is "don't ask too many questions, just buy or fuck off....and we don't have to be polite, fair or honest with you". And most have zero knowledge about the vehicles they are selling too.
I've played with cars before and have had many other frustrating experiences with them. Thats why for my present car, I bought it brand new, directly from the agent....and I intend to keep it for its lifespan of 10 years. Nowadays, some brand new cars are actually quite affordable.
Out of the more than 50 used car dealers I've met, there were only a few nice and honest ones. Its a waste that I didn't keep in touch with them (after all, I don't sell cars every week
). However, I think its best to ask your friend/relative/family to recommend instead of asking publicly, like in this forum ('cos you'll never know what you'll get - eg. you may even get a 2nd car dealer posing to be a friend....and he will only show his true colours later).
When you do find a good one, keep in touch with thim because they are very rare....and they are the ones who deserve our business. Good Luck! -
Anyway just to add on:
After experiencing 2nd hand car, it is very unlikely that I will go for a 2nd hand car ever again...
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Haha ya. That is what almost every car dealer will tell you.Originally posted by gentlerock:There was once when after I viewed the car, he told me "actually, another person has already offered to buy this car....so if you want to give a higher offer, I can let you have it". I refused....and after a few weeks, I saw the same car still being advertised in the papers (classified ads). They lied.
DON'T BELIEVE THAT!
And if you go back the next time and they suay suay really sold the car to a higher offer already, don't be disappointed. I have learnt slowly that a better deal is just around the corner, or will 'pop' out in your face when you least expected. -
Ya lor. But actually, I find that one thing worse than buying a car from them....is to try selling a car to them. Waliow....they curse your car, they make fun of you, etc.Originally posted by jeje008:Haha ya. That is what almost every car dealer will tell you.
DON'T BELIEVE THAT!
And if you go back the next time and they suay suay really sold the car to a higher offer already, don't be disappointed. I have learnt slowly that a better deal is just around the corner, or will 'pop' out in your face when you least expected.
"Wah, your engine sounds like that and you still don't wanna go repair it ah?".
(Actually, the engine was fine).
"Wah, this car hor....the second hand value very low leh".
(Ya sure, like I didn't find out before).
"Since your road tax is going to expire, I have to offer to buy your car at $2000 less".
(Heck, the car's road tax was only $800 per 6 months!).
"You have the service record for your car or not? If you have, we can offer a higher price".
"Wah, its good that you have the service record for your car. But we can't offer you a higher price because its understood that everyone service their cars what! Even if you have no service record, we also know that you have serviced your car".
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Call me if u need my help..
im not a 2nd hand car dealer.. i help ppl source for car loan..
and most dealer approach us to do this for them. even for new car..
tat's y i can help u get cheaper car price if u happen to wana buy a new car.. cheaper than their listed price..
and for used car, i can help u get the lowest interest rate.. and get all documentation done for u at NO CHARGES..
Call me and i will get it done for u..
Shawn 90069339
[email protected] -
To Irage,
Dealing with a second-hand car dealer is like talking to the Devil. They lie all the time, in your face, with no sense of shame. Never believe a word they say. Truly I have come to the sad conclusion that only scums, bullies, tricksters, and people of criminal minds become second-hand car dealers. They have no honour, are dishonest, only interested in making more money out of you, never mind if it is dishonest money, they worship money like they worship the Devil. Never let them get near your sister or your daughters. You will be letting down your guard and sending them to a life of hell with these lying, two-faced, two mouth , two tongue scums that look like human beings. Normal decent human beings would not work in a job like a second-hand car salesman in Singapore. 
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Hi jeje008,
Thank for sharing your experience. Looks like to you got a turbo charged car.
I was thinking if you had thought of bring the car to VICOM or AAA for inspection before you buy that car?
Does dealer usually allow buyer to do that?
Cheers,
iRageOriginally posted by jeje008:Hi.
I guess if you want to go for a 2nd hand car, that is the risk you have to bear. In my opinion, no car dealers or salesman is 100% truthful when it comes to selling you things. This is just human nature. I won't be 100% truthful also if I happen to be a salesman. Facts of life bro.
And yes, car dealers will hide accident records and stuff from you.
For myself, I was conned into believing that
a) My 2nd car is 100% stock (when I later learnt that the car was turbo-charged by the previous owner and immense mods had been done to the engine)
b) The rims are good rims cos they are 17" (when I later learnt that the rims are actually cheapo scrapyard rims).
c) The car's previous owner is 'blur blur' one so he couldn't have done much drastic things to the car (when I later learnt that the owner is a rich person who is damn experienced in mods, and car modding is his hobby).
d) The bodykit is original (when I later learnt that it is replica).
e) ... and amongst many other things....
So bro, you got to judge it for yourself. Bring with you another friend(s) so that there are more opinions.
Cheerios!! -
Hi gentlerock,
Thank for sharing your experience too. Those joker really know how to degrade the car value. I guess they degrade themselves too.
My uncle recently try to sell his car to to a 2nd car dealer. They agreed on a price over the phone, and on the spot that dealer wants my uncle to reduce the expected selling price by $500. My uncle refused and get whacked with a hammer and suffer factured forearm and broke 1 tooth. That dealer ends up with police case. My uncle was ex-policeman. sigh... No gun to point that that joker.
Cheers,
iRage.Originally posted by gentlerock:Ya lor. But actually, I find that one thing worse than buying a car from them....is to try selling a car to them. Waliow....they curse your car, they make fun of you, etc.
"Wah, your engine sounds like that and you still don't wanna go repair it ah?".
(Actually, the engine was fine).
"Wah, this car hor....the second hand value very low leh".
(Ya sure, like I didn't find out before).
"Since your road tax is going to expire, I have to offer to buy your car at $2000 less".
(Heck, the car's road tax was only $800 per 6 months!).
"You have the service record for your car or not? If you have, we can offer a higher price".
"Wah, its good that you have the service record for your car. But we can't offer you a higher price because its understood that everyone service their cars what! Even if you have no service record, we also know that you have serviced your car". -
Hi toadie,
Sound like you had bad encounter too...
Maybe we should start a black list for these car dealers and put them on condemnation.
Have you bought car from direct owner before?
Not sure if the experience will be much more pleasant?
Cheers,
iRage...Originally posted by toadie:To Irage,
Dealing with a second-hand car dealer is like talking to the Devil. They lie all the time, in your face, with no sense of shame. Never believe a word they say. Truly I have come to the sad conclusion that only scums, bullies, tricksters, and people of criminal minds become second-hand car dealers. They have no honour, are dishonest, only interested in making more money out of you, never mind if it is dishonest money, they worship money like they worship the Devil. Never let them get near your sister or your daughters. You will be letting down your guard and sending them to a life of hell with these lying, two-faced, two mouth , two tongue scums that look like human beings. Normal decent human beings would not work in a job like a second-hand car salesman in Singapore. -
What??? Wah, they must have improved in their tactics....previously, they were rude and appeared threatening, but never did actually whack people. I hope the guy who whacked your uncle goes to jail for a long, long time. I'm sorry to hear of your uncle's unfortunate incident.Originally posted by irage:Hi gentlerock,
Thank for sharing your experience too. Those joker really know how to degrade the car value. I guess they degrade themselves too.
My uncle recently try to sell his car to to a 2nd car dealer. They agreed on a price over the phone, and on the spot that dealer wants my uncle to reduce the expected selling price by $500. My uncle refused and get whacked with a hammer and suffer factured forearm and broke 1 tooth. That dealer ends up with police case. My uncle was ex-policeman. sigh... No gun to point that that joker.
Cheers,
iRage.
And you can help to make things worse for them....try to get the media to hook on to this story and let the media blow it up for you.
Some sellers/dealers will allow you to bring the car for inspection first. But there as once case (featured in the newspapers) where they asked the customer to sign a paper first, before they allowed him to bring the car out for inspection. When the customer returned the car to the dealer after inspection, the dealer told him that he has signed to purchase the car earlier....the customer was shocked but upon checking, he found that actually did! Watch for this kind of trickery.
The safest bet is still to go through someone you know....
Many years ago, I've bought one car (a CRX) from the owner before. The owner was a HongKonger who was moving back to Hong Kong. Overall, it was quite a pleasant experience. I got a bit suspicious when he insisted on boasting about the car stereo by blasting it, when it was really nothing (not even an expensive set). So halfway through the test drive, I switched off the stereo and found that the steering wheel creeked a bit. Its motion was still smooth, so I just took the car anyway.
Advantages of buying from owner:
- They are generally friendlier than car dealers (not always though).
- You get to see roughly what kind of person the owner is, how he maintains things, etc.
Disadvantages of buying from owner:
- It doesn't mean that the price will be better than buying from a dealer.
- You have to arrange for your own vehicle transfer at ROV, arrange for your own loans, etc. -
Ya man, the dealer seem getting out of hand.
Was so sorry for that customer, but I believe they can actually void that purchase if it is within a period of time thru CASE, it think... Anyone like to confirm?
Actually I am rather go through the trouble to buy from an owner direct than a car dealer. Why let those lowest-grade creature earn our $$$.
Thank for the advice.... man. I believe this discussion will benefit those in the same consideration.Originally posted by gentlerock:What??? Wah, they must have improved in their tactics....previously, they were rude and appeared threatening, but never did actually whack people. I hope the guy who whacked your uncle goes to jail for a long, long time. I'm sorry to hear of your uncle's unfortunate incident.
And you can help to make things worse for them....try to get the media to hook on to this story and let the media blow it up for you.
Some sellers/dealers will allow you to bring the car for inspection first. But there as once case (featured in the newspapers) where they asked the customer to sign a paper first, before they allowed him to bring the car out for inspection. When the customer returned the car to the dealer after inspection, the dealer told him that he has signed to purchase the car earlier....the customer was shocked but upon checking, he found that actually did! Watch for this kind of trickery.
The safest bet is still to go through someone you know....
Many years ago, I've bought one car (a CRX) from the owner before. The owner was a HongKonger who was moving back to Hong Kong. Overall, it was quite a pleasant experience. I got a bit suspicious when he insisted on boasting about the car stereo by blasting it, when it was really nothing (not even an expensive set). So halfway through the test drive, I switched off the stereo and found that the steering wheel creeked a bit. Its motion was still smooth, so I just took the car anyway.
Advantages of buying from owner:
- They are generally friendlier than car dealers (not always though).
- You get to see roughly what kind of person the owner is, how he maintains things, etc.
Disadvantages of buying from owner:
- It doesn't mean that the price will be better than buying from a dealer.
- You have to arrange for your own vehicle transfer at ROV, arrange for your own loans, etc. -
Irage,
Generally speaking you would get a better deal (in more ways than one) fron the owner. This is because you are theoretically cutting out the middleman, ie the parasitic second hand car dealer (henceforth referred as simply 'scum'). You also don't feel threatened and always wondering what is true and what is false. Unfortunately the second hand car market is now cornered by the "scum" and their touts. You only have to advertise your car and many of these scum or 'scum-wannabes' will wake you up at 6.30 am just to spoil your day. There was even a case where the same scum bribed an employee of our English daily (ST) so he could have the advertisements earlier than other scums sothat he could than badger the sellerearly in the mornig to sell his car to him. This worked well until the govt reduced the ARF taxes and the economy took a dive (from '98 -2005). Many Singapore scums lost a lot of money as they could not sell their cars. This situation is no different today, perhaps only worse. Walk into any scum-shop and witness for yourself the declining number of stocks, how eagerly some of the younger , more energetic scums jump to greet you or how slowly the older scums eyeball you for a potential sucker. The greatest fear these scums now have are of an increasing interest rate as their carrying costs will multiply. So far the govt has been kind to them. But take heart, this is only a prelude.
My reason for writing is not to take my ire out on these people but to tell you that the savings from buying a second-hand car are now much less than before, say 8-10 years ago. Because of the continued reduction in COE and ARF taxes it would now be better to buy a new car. Many examples can be given where the yearly costs of a similar car would be less for a new car than for an old one. I suggest you do this exercise yourself to be convinced of it. Note. the yearly COE amortisation costs for a 3 year old car vs a newcar is about half! Ie. a savings of about $1300 -$1500, and this is only for 1 item. Nowadays most new cars come with a 3 or even 5 year warranty.
Good hunting -
I think he did bring his case up to some authority, but I don't know which one. Even the media (ST) got hold of the story, which is how I know about it. Since he signed the contract willingly and knowingly, there was nothing the authorities could do about it.Originally posted by irage:Ya man, the dealer seem getting out of hand.
Was so sorry for that customer, but I believe they can actually void that purchase if it is within a period of time thru CASE, it think... Anyone like to confirm?