How to Safely Buy and Sell Cars Online

The Internet has become a somewhat dubious place to buy used and even new items sometimes. Well, buying new is easier from an established online shopping portal, but when shopping for a used item on an ‘open’ online website (a site that allows individuals to upload their items for sale and its description) then the risks getting higher.

So when you go to buy, or even sell, a car online, you’re treading on some fairly shady grounds. Not to mention you’re about to spend a vast amount of money on something that statistically speaking could be quite dangerous. So how do you wade through all this darkness and find a decent car from a trustworthy source for a reasonable price?

Used car salesmen have a pretty dubious reputation. Even regular people selling their own cars show a tendency of being shady and rather dubious, hiding all the faults of the car in question to get the sell done.

Well, it always helps to know a thing or two about cars, but we will just assume that YOU don’t, to make things more interesting. Beyond that, it helps to know a thing or two about safe shopping online, which is where I think we can help.

As far as I can see, you have two options: you can buy a car from a company in the business of selling cars, or you can buy a car from some seller who posted some pictures of his car on the many used car websites that exists in Malaysia. The same goes for selling.

If a used car portal claims to have millions of listing on their website…..best to avoid as we have a population of car owners that cannot be all selling their cars in the same week. Right? Most of the cars could have sold months ago and the webmaster chooses to leave it sitting in their site to show commanding numbers.

So, let’s begin with the reputable business, because it’s easier. If you’re set on buying a car from, or even selling a car to, an online business, there isn’t really a whole lot to worry about. You browse their website, find a car you like, and decide you want to buy it, contact the seller and arrange a viewing and you test drive to make sure. All the transactions, whether you are buying or selling are probably going to take place at the meeting place so make sure it’s a public place with plenty of people or even better right opposite a police station or at a petrol station (as they have cameras).

Don’t give away personal information to these people. Never give a seller money over the internet until you’ve driven the car you’re about to buy. And never give that person money until you actually have the car. I’m not telling you to do a handshake trade, you hand this person the money while he or she hands you the keys but at least be near the car when the transaction goes down.

Which brings me to my next point, you should never meet a buyer or seller at your home or their home. Meet in a nice public place, for reasons that probably go without saying. Might be a good idea to bring a friend along, too.

Of course, most of us aren’t going to be buying a car with cash, so we’re probably going to have to take out a loan. This is the part where you really want to be smart. I can’t keep you from buying a terrible car but I can try to keep you from taking out a terrible loan. I won’t recommend anyone specifically, but whatever the source is of the loan you’re about to sign on to, cross check with your personal bank.

Above and beyond all the above, take advice from friends, a relative or co-worker you trust who are car owners with experience. If you are a loner with zero car buying knowledge and have no friends and relatives that hate you, then buy a new car.