May 20, 2013

Save Email Print Bookmark and Share
A A
Reporter: John Mooney

Damaged Goods

The Kansas Attorney General's office is warning buyers that used cars might be in worse shape than they appear.

Flood damaged vehicles sometimes turn up in Kansas, especially after natural disasters. These cars usually have a musty odor or a strong scent of air fresheners that try to hide the odor.

Here are some tips from the Kansas Attorney General's office that you can follow to keep from getting ripped off in any used car transaction.

  • Ask the seller to put all promises in writing.
  • Don't buy a vehicle on impulse or because of high-pressure sales.
  • Ask for a vehicle history or title history.
  • Get the vehicle inspected before you buy it.
  • Examine extended warranties.
  • Ask the seller about prior damage or mechanical problems.

    Also, be very leery about deals that seem to good to be true. If a private seller is offering a car for way less than it's really worth, that could be a red flag warning of serious problems.