The more you know about your seller and the
items you are bidding on, the safer you, as a buyer will be.
Know your item
Research the vehicle you are interested in. If it is a passenger
vehicle from 1981 or newer, run a title check on it. Check the
Blue Book value before you decide what you're willing to pay.
Use extra caution if an item is listing significantly below
the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Be realistic in your expectations of used or older vehicles
-- expect normal "wear and tear."
Personally visit or have an inspection service visit the vehicle
to ensure accurate representation.
Read relevant information published by independent consumer
watchdog organizations as part of your research.
Some examples include:
The Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Automobile Purchase
Guide and Tips for Buying a Used Car and
The Better Business Bureau's Guide for Buying a Used Car.
Verify that the vehicle meets emissions requirements in your
state prior to making an interstate purchase. Many states, such
as California, have strict emission standards.
For example: New and used gasoline-powered vehicles registerered
in California must pass the California Smog Check. To learn
more about this requirement, review California's Smog Check
Rules.
Know your seller
Know your seller. Check their feedback rating to gauge their
selling reputation on AJ.
Contact your seller with any questions about the condition of
a vehicle before bidding.
Do not place a bid if the seller doesn¨t respond to your questions
or is inaccessible by email and/or phone.
Note: Per AJ policy, if you are unable to reach the seller
during the course of the auction, you may retract your bid once
it has been placed.
Additional points
Educate yourself on AJ's Purchase Insurance & Warranty
programs should something go wrong with your vehicle.
