I’m an expert mechanic – three of the ‘stupidest’ places to buy a used car and all the red flags to look out for

An experienced mechanic has warned motorists about the three worst places to buy used cars.

With so many options available, there are certain dealers that are better than others when purchasing a used car.

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Buying from a private owner, a dealer, an auction or a rental company all have their advantages and disadvantages.

Experienced mechanic Scotty Kilmer gives valuable advice on his YouTube channel about where and why not to buy a used car.

Not surprisingly, the first location listed in his video was used car lots, as they have typical practices that can make it difficult to find a reliable car.

It’s common practice for many used car dealers – and new car dealers – to increase prices.

Used car dealers, says Kilmer, “simply charge too much money for their vehicles.”

For dealers to make a profit on a car, especially a used car, Kilmer says raising the price is the only way to make a profit.

That’s because the dealer typically buys cars for pennies on the dollar.

“They just want to squeeze every penny out of this car,” he said.

“Usually used car lots cost two to four times the price they charge for the car.”

Another trick used car dealers use is to push buyers to vehicle history websites like CarFax, which publish repairs or accidents based on the vehicle identification number.

The main problem with this, however, is that incidents are only recorded when the vehicle is taken to a dealer, reported by an insurance company, or named in a police report.

If the repairs are made by a private individual, such as the previous owner’s neighbor or husband, they will not be published in CarFax.

“I don’t really trust this stuff anymore because my old cameraman had a Honda Civic that was totaled before he bought it,” Kilmer said.

“He counted the total again before he sold it, and just for fun he put the VIN in CarFax and it said it had never been in an accident.”

The next place Kilmer advised drivers to avoid purchasing a used car was at rental car companies.

“When I travel long distances, I get on a plane and then rent a car,” he said.

“And when I rent cars, I’m generally quicker around them. I’m in a hurry, I don’t care what roads I’m driving on, I don’t really care where I park the car – they.” “They don’t get very good care from the drivers.”

If Kilmer treats rental cars this way, it’s easy to assume that other people who have rented the same car have treated it that way too.

Kilmer also warns that due to their size, rental car agencies are often self-insured – meaning all repairs are done in-house, making documentation potentially unreliable.

Finally, he warned buyers the last place they should stay away from is CarMax.

CarMax, similar to CarFax, sells used cars to potential buyers with the promise of a reliable history report.

But again, Kilmer says, accidents, body damage or important repairs that are not recorded by a professional using the VIN number will not be included in the report.

Kilmer also says CarMax, like used car dealers, will raise prices to make a profit.

“I don’t know how they get away with it, but their prices are a lot higher than most other places,” Kilmer said.

Wherever you buy a car, he said it’s important to bring someone who knows the car to help you inspect the car.

If you don’t know anyone who can help you inspect the car, most dealers or independent repair shops will perform a used car inspection for a fair price.

When inspecting a used car, mechanics look for leaks, the car’s paint, odors, and tires.

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