{"id":3801,"date":"2026-07-11T18:30:59","date_gmt":"2026-07-11T13:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=3801"},"modified":"2026-07-11T18:30:59","modified_gmt":"2026-07-11T13:30:59","slug":"5-used-car-red-flags-to-avoid-costly-mistakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=3801","title":{"rendered":"5 Used Car Red Flags To Avoid Costly Mistakes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div style=\"--rs-view-gap-s:2;--rs-p-block-s:2\">\n<div class=\"View_root__LrrXO View_--flex__Gptpp View_--direction-row__d4BvM\" style=\"--rs-view-gap-s:3\">\n<p>Written by<!-- --> <!-- -->Gabrielle Olya<\/p>\n<p>|<\/p>\n<p>Edited by<!-- --> <!-- -->Amen Oyiboke-Osifo<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"--rs-view-gap-s:6\">\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">A recent <a style=\"color:#0f6161\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/business\/autos\/one-million-new-car-buyers-are-gone-and-theyre-not-coming-back-soon-c8984fae\" class=\"Actionable_root__gYRbW Link_root__f6YnY Link_--variant-underline__ewwU2 Link_--color-inherit___v63X\"><span style=\"display:inline\" class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--weight-bold__PDVlx\">Wall Street Journal report<\/span><\/a> found that 1 million prospective buyers have left the new-car market. As more Americans skip new cars due to high prices and interest rates, used car demand is rising.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" data-cms-widget-id=\"in-content-CAU\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation\" src=\"https:\/\/products.gobankingrates.com\/pub\/0384a803-638e-43ac-86db-b124b9c8ab88?utm_campaign=auto-expert-used-car-red-flags-that-could-cost-you-thousands\" width=\"100%\" id=\"contentful-iframe-embed-2rqjf1O8Dd2sIEPZo4h7Bs\" title=\"In-Content CAU - Revops (2rqjf1O8Dd2sIEPZo4h7Bs)\" height=\"658px\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"border:none;display:block;max-width:100%;overflow:hidden;overflow-clip-margin:0\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\"><strong>Up Next: <\/strong><a style=\"color:#0f6161\" href=\"https:\/\/moneylion.com\/trending\/money\/budget-friendly-cars-most-reliable-engines\/?utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=c3-in_content_link_%7C_c4-features&amp;medium=rss&amp;campaign_id=c3-in_content_link_%7C_c4-features\" class=\"Actionable_root__gYRbW Link_root__f6YnY Link_--variant-underline__ewwU2 Link_--color-inherit___v63X\"><span style=\"display:inline\" class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--weight-bold__PDVlx\"><strong>6 Budget-Friendly Cars With the Most Reliable Engines<\/strong><\/span><\/a><strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\"><strong>Trending Now: <\/strong><a style=\"color:#0f6161\" href=\"https:\/\/www.moneylion.com\/trending\/money\/genius-wealthy-people-know\/?utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=c3-related_link_|_c4-advertorial&amp;medium=rss&amp;campaign_id=c3-related_link_|_c4-advertorial\" class=\"Actionable_root__gYRbW Link_root__f6YnY Link_--variant-underline__ewwU2 Link_--color-inherit___v63X\"><span style=\"display:inline\" class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--weight-bold__PDVlx\"><strong>9 Subtly Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money \u2014 That You Should Do, Too<\/strong><\/span><\/a><strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">While buying used can <a style=\"color:#0f6161\" href=\"https:\/\/www.moneylion.com\/savings-accounts\/?utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=c3-in_content_link_|_c4-lite_account&amp;medium=rss&amp;campaign_id=c3-in_content_link_|_c4-lite_account  \" class=\"Actionable_root__gYRbW Link_root__f6YnY Link_--variant-underline__ewwU2 Link_--color-inherit___v63X\"><span style=\"display:inline\" class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--weight-bold__PDVlx\">save money<\/span><\/a> upfront, it can also expose shoppers to scams and costly mistakes. Knowing what to watch for can help you avoid overpaying \u2014 or worse, buying a car that isn\u2019t what it seems. <\/p>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">Here are five red flags an auto expert says you should never ignore when <a style=\"color:#0f6161\" href=\"https:\/\/moneylion.com\/trending\/money\/affordable-used-cars-with-engines-just-as-good-as-new\/?utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=c3-in_content_link_%7C_c4-features&amp;medium=rss&amp;campaign_id=c3-in_content_link_%7C_c4-features\" class=\"Actionable_root__gYRbW Link_root__f6YnY Link_--variant-underline__ewwU2 Link_--color-inherit___v63X\"><span style=\"display:inline\" class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--weight-bold__PDVlx\">shopping for a used car.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"scroll-margin-top:5rem\" id=\"1-being-asked-for-an-upfront-payment\" class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-title-4--m__TbTu_ Text_--variant-featured-2__NZyQc\">1. Being Asked for an Upfront Payment<\/h2>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">If a seller asks for money before you\u2019ve seen the car in person, treat it as a major warning sign.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">&#8220;The single biggest red flag is being asked to pay before you&#8217;ve seen the car in person,&#8221; said Keith Crerar, chief transformation officer at <a style=\"color:#0f6161\" href=\"https:\/\/repairify.com\/\" class=\"Actionable_root__gYRbW Link_root__f6YnY Link_--variant-underline__ewwU2 Link_--color-inherit___v63X\"><span style=\"display:inline\" class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--weight-bold__PDVlx\">Repairify<\/span><\/a>, an automotive technology and intelligence company. &#8220;No legitimate seller needs a wire transfer, gift cards or a deposit to \u2018hold\u2019 a vehicle you haven&#8217;t touched.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">Legitimate sellers will let you inspect the car first. If payment is required upfront, walk away.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"scroll-margin-top:5rem\" id=\"2-a-price-that-seems-too-good-to-be-true\" class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-title-4--m__TbTu_ Text_--variant-featured-2__NZyQc\">2. A Price That Seems Too Good To Be True<\/h2>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">A car that&#8217;s priced unusually low is often designed to lure buyers in quickly. In many cases, the low price is paired with a convincing story \u2014 the seller may claim they\u2019re deployed overseas, say the car is already being shipped or push you toward a specific escrow service. These tactics are commonly used in listings for vehicles that don\u2019t actually exist.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">If the price is far below comparable listings, proceed with caution and verify the car in person before moving forward.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"scroll-margin-top:5rem\" id=\"3-paperwork-that-doesnt-match-up\" class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-title-4--m__TbTu_ Text_--variant-featured-2__NZyQc\">3. Paperwork That Doesn&#8217;t Match Up<\/h2>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">Before committing to any used car, make sure all the paperwork lines up. Review the vehicle identification number (VIN), <a style=\"color:#0f6161\" href=\"https:\/\/www.moneylion.com\/trending\/money\/hidden-auto-costs-your-dealer-might-never-tell-you-about\/?utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=c3-in_content_link_%7C_c4-features&amp;medium=rss&amp;campaign_id=c3-in_content_link_%7C_c4-features\" class=\"Actionable_root__gYRbW Link_root__f6YnY Link_--variant-underline__ewwU2 Link_--color-inherit___v63X\"><span style=\"display:inline\" class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--weight-bold__PDVlx\">odometer reading<\/span><\/a>, and seller information across the title, the vehicle itself and a history report. <\/p>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">&#8220;Any mismatch is your cue to stop,&#8221; Crerar said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">He recommends getting a VIN-based vehicle history report from a provider listed on VehicleHistory.gov. Be especially cautious of newly issued or recently transferred titles, which can sometimes indicate title washing \u2014 when a car\u2019s flood, salvage or total-loss history is obscured by moving it across state lines.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"scroll-margin-top:5rem\" id=\"4-the-seller-isnt-who-they-claim-to-be\" class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-title-4--m__TbTu_ Text_--variant-featured-2__NZyQc\">4. The Seller Isn&#8217;t Who They Claim To Be<\/h2>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">Not every \u201cprivate seller\u201d is actually a private individual.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">\u201cWatch for \u2018curbstoners\u2019 \u2014 unlicensed dealers posing as private sellers to dump <a style=\"color:#0f6161\" href=\"https:\/\/www.moneylion.com\/trending\/money\/affordable-car-brands-that-rarely-need-repairs\/?utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=c3-in_content_link_%7C_c4-features&amp;medium=rss&amp;campaign_id=c3-in_content_link_%7C_c4-features\" class=\"Actionable_root__gYRbW Link_root__f6YnY Link_--variant-underline__ewwU2 Link_--color-inherit___v63X\"><span style=\"display:inline\" class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--weight-bold__PDVlx\">problem cars<\/span><\/a> without any of the protections a real dealership owes you,\u201d Crerar said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">Curbstoning is one way damaged vehicles \u2014 including flood cars, salvage cars and those with rolled-back odometers \u2014 re-enter the market.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">Watch for these clues:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"list-style:initial;--rs-p-start-s:4\" class=\"View_root__LrrXO\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">The same phone number appears across multiple listings<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">The seller insists on meeting in a parking lot or public place<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">The name on the title doesn\u2019t match the seller<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">The seller becomes vague or defensive when asked basic questions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">Crerar recommends meeting at the address listed on the title and treating anyone selling multiple vehicles as a dealer, even if they claim otherwise.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"scroll-margin-top:5rem\" id=\"5-the-price-jumps-once-dealer-fees-or-financing-are-applied\" class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-title-4--m__TbTu_ Text_--variant-featured-2__NZyQc\">5. The Price Jumps Once Dealer Fees or Financing Are Applied<\/h2>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">Not all risks come from private sellers \u2014 dealerships can introduce extra costs in less obvious ways.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">Even legitimate dealers may use tactics that increase the final price:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"list-style:initial;--rs-p-start-s:4\" class=\"View_root__LrrXO\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\"><strong>Bait-and-switch: <\/strong>The advertised car is suddenly &#8220;unavailable,&#8221; and you\u2019re directed to a more expensive option.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\"><strong>Padded add-ons: <\/strong>Charges for paint protection, rust-proofing or extended warranties you didn\u2019t request.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\"><strong>Financing tricks:<\/strong> Low advertised rates that apply only to those with <a style=\"color:#0f6161\" href=\"https:\/\/www.moneylion.com\/free-credit-monitoring\/?utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=c3-in_content_link_%7C_c4-lite_account&amp;medium=rss&amp;campaign_id=c3-in_content_link_%7C_c4-lite_account \" class=\"Actionable_root__gYRbW Link_root__f6YnY Link_--variant-underline__ewwU2 Link_--color-inherit___v63X\"><span style=\"display:inline\" class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--weight-bold__PDVlx\">top-tier credit<\/span><\/a>, or \u201c$0 down\u201d offers that bundle in hidden fees.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">\u201cSlow down at the paperwork stage,&#8221; Crerar said. &#8220;You have the right to a full, written, out-the-door price \u2014 and the right to say no to anything you didn&#8217;t ask for.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\">Under the FTC\u2019s CARS Rule, dealers are required to disclose the total price upfront. Before signing, ask for the full out-the-door cost in writing, decline unnecessary add-ons and confirm that the <a style=\"color:#0f6161\" href=\"https:\/\/www.moneylion.com\/budgeting\/?utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=c3-in_content_link_|_c4-lite_account&amp;medium=rss&amp;campaign_id=c3-in_content_link_|_c4-lite_account    \" class=\"Actionable_root__gYRbW Link_root__f6YnY Link_--variant-underline__ewwU2 Link_--color-inherit___v63X\"><span style=\"display:inline\" class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--weight-bold__PDVlx\">financing<\/span><\/a> terms match what you agreed to.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\"><em>This article was provided by<\/em><a style=\"color:#0f6161\" href=\"http:\/\/moneylion.com\" class=\"Actionable_root__gYRbW Link_root__f6YnY Link_--variant-underline__ewwU2 Link_--color-inherit___v63X\"><span style=\"display:inline\" class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--weight-bold__PDVlx\"><em> MoneyLion.com<\/em><\/span><\/a><em> for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"Text_root__l8CkT Text_--variant-body-2__q78Vy Text_--variant-body-1--m__3LiHS\" style=\"--rs-text-align-s:start\"><strong>More From MoneyLion:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" data-cms-widget-id=\"native-card-module\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox allow-forms allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation\" src=\"https:\/\/products.gobankingrates.com\/pub\/e4c9817f-a73a-4332-871e-47d803a4ba0e?utm_campaign=auto-expert-used-car-red-flags-that-could-cost-you-thousands\" width=\"100%\" id=\"contentful-iframe-embed-1quQ3swCPRDuKfS5JVbbAG\" title=\"SmartCards - Syndication - Revops (1quQ3swCPRDuKfS5JVbbAG)\" height=\"1415px\" scrolling=\"no\" style=\"border:none;display:block;max-width:100%;overflow:hidden;overflow-clip-margin:0\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Written by Gabrielle Olya | Edited by Amen Oyiboke-Osifo A recent Wall Street Journal report found that 1 million prospective buyers have left the new-car market. As more Americans skip new cars due to high prices and interest rates, used car demand is rising. Up Next: 6 Budget-Friendly Cars With the Most Reliable Engines Trending&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3802,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/images.ctfassets.net\/38eowqxxlfkc\/1m8DOLbiblDQAhZ4DEWRWA\/7a58c3111acd2496a62a86dec565b8e7\/DISCOVER_used-car-lot-iStock-1307082108.jpg?fm=jpg&q=95&w=1200&h=630&fit=fill&f=face","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3801","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-real-trending-viral-news"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3801","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3801"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3801\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3802"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3801"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3801"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3801"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}