Should I buy my first car on Fb ?
Posted by StoreSignificant5884@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 35 comments
Mom thats tryna save bucks os it worth buying suv on fb ino not every car is bad but looking to see if i can buy my first car on their any suggestions on whags the best Suv car to own
DashMcGee@reddit
Nooooo! You aren't knowledgeable enough. Use Carvana or Carmax. They have ethical standards. Buying from an individual is asking for trouble.
StoreSignificant5884@reddit (OP)
Ok thanks I litterly don't no anything about cars but the colour of it đ will look into that
NectarineNo4312@reddit
Iâve bought and sold many cars over the years. Two of my worst experiences were with big, new car dealers. And two of my best were with little guys.
StoreSignificant5884@reddit (OP)
Omg ya I heard hondas are great especially the 2009 and up onesÂ
acr70@reddit
You will get scammed. Possibly even purchase a stolen vehicle. I wouldnât trust anybody.
StoreSignificant5884@reddit (OP)
Is the better option go to shop insteadÂ
RemoteVersion838@reddit
short answer no. Too many scams for a first time buyer. Unless you know a mechanic fried who can look at them with you.
StoreSignificant5884@reddit (OP)
I went to see the car it was rusted but everything worked Very well but i didnt get it bc I didnt like the colour and was alot of rust
RemoteVersion838@reddit
Good call. Body work is the most expensive to repair and there is always more rust than you can see. If you see a lot, its bad.
BenEDSnDFW2018@reddit
No.
StoreSignificant5884@reddit (OP)
Thx uÂ
Ok-Ad8998@reddit
I shop everywhere. I have bought cars from ads on fb, craigslist, dealer/trader magazines, newspapers, etc. I have bought from big and small dealers, repair shops, estate auctions (a favorite). Even better is spotting "for sale" signs while driving around. What I like least is dealers who offer financing, because THAT is what they are selling, not the car. I either bring my own financing (good relationship with a local bank) or pay cash if I can.
No matter where you shop, take a car-wise friend with you (unless you are car-wise yourself) so you know what you are getting. Deep research into your potential purchase targets is valuable too. Consumer Reports and cars.com and several other sites will tell you more about the cars, and Reddit and fb have user groups for most car models/brands where you can read about flaws you might find on a typical used one.
StoreSignificant5884@reddit (OP)
Thank you so much im actually on my way to get a car just tk check it out definitely bringing someone with me. Took notes this was very very helpful thank u so much
u700MHz@reddit
Do you home work first, find a AAA Repair Center for Inspections / or local repair shop that you go into first and talk to them asking if they will do a complete inspection of the vehicle or body shop to check for body damage if you suspect / or if you can find a mobile mechanic. In some cases depending on the age of the vehicle if fairly new, even schedule a full inspection with a dealer, but this might be the more costly option. However, they will provide a full list and even video from some locations.
Once, you choice the right option for you, when the inspection is complete that is where you negotiate based on what ever they find with cost estimates for repair. and if you decide to make the purchase at the same time.
Don't meet anyone at their place or yours, etc. Do it at a mechanic location. Naturally, before all of this as some have said, do your own search for carfax and the VIN No online. Ensure they have the title (clean) no lien or they have to have the lien letter with them, all originals. Go online to your state DMV and have all forms with you for them to sign at the same time.
Don't go alone.
pizzaanarchy@reddit
Have you ever heard of âthe poor taxâ? That is what you are paying when buying a used car blind. It is called the poor tax because you are buying something that has a very limited amount of life left, because you are trying to save money. You end up spending more than had you toughed it out and saved for a late model with more life than you will need left in it.
In short: spend the time to confirm clear title, get a mechanic to inspect it, and fix whatever is the reason it was sold (stop the bleeding, then start repairing).
Or, go buy a beater and drive it till it dies, rinse repeat. The poor tax.
StoreSignificant5884@reddit (OP)
Thx ya never heard of it but. Now i know thanks to you đ il inform my husband if he knows tht too will bring a mechanic but if I do change my mind il go to the dealership
pizzaanarchy@reddit
No worries, I speak from hard learned experience.
mikerall@reddit
Vimes theory of socioeconomic inequality. That being said.....buying beaters used to be a very viable option and driving them a few years until the wheels fell off/the frame rusted through.
Now even a shitbucket with less than 10k miles left on it will cost you 5k
pizzaanarchy@reddit
Used to be is the key, and you can still find deals (I bought a 1998 Ranger for $2,000 today , and it is worth it. Barely runs though; it is a project car. I also own a 2008 Lexus is250 in almost perfect low mile condition that I paid $7,000 for. That one easily has 100,000 miles left. But I know about cars now, and I donât need a car, so I can take my time to weed them out.
mikerall@reddit
Exactly. 95% of people can't even change their own brake pads, let alone touch mild engine/transmission work....and most people shopping for a car need one now, not with the "luxury" of finding a good deal on a low mileage Lexus.
Totally agreeing with you, we're at a sad stage where new cars (for those who can afford them without insane financing) make more sense than a 5 year old model with 50k miles that have....15-20% MSRP knocked off. The car market is fucked, second only to the housing market.
RSways@reddit
Ive bought two cars advertised on Facebook and both have been good.
My advice is just research (which applies when buying from a dealership too tbf) Pick some brands/models you like and suit your needs. Read up on any common problems/faults and any problems that are car specific you can look and listen for on a test drive.
Theres often enthusiast Facebook groups for most cars full of info like this and you can ask question on, YouTube reviews, here on reddit, even chatgpt or similar to point you in the right direction.
I personally tend to avoid ads that overhype the car , normally because its a shitheap phrases like
'1 lady owner' 'First to see will buy ' 'Pulls like an absolute train' 'Fully loaded'
Lastly. Check its history as much as possible. MOT history if in the UK, or equivalent checks in your country.
If its flagging up the same faults year on year, to me it shows the owner is cheaping out on maintenance of the vehicle. Can also give you an idea on what to look out for on your visit.
Hope that helps!
No-Specialist-5173@reddit
If there is a carmax near you, look there. They also have a 24 hour contract which you can take the suv off the lot and test drive it + take it to a trusted mechanic for inspections before purchasing. Theres not credit check. Just have valid id and insurance .
fad3dm1ndz@reddit
I've bought all my cars off Facebook, before that, Craigslist lol. All great running cars, just gotta know what to look for.
Coolmacde@reddit
99 percent of the cars there are salvage title junk. Just do your due diligence and get a PRE purchase inspection BEFORE buying any car to make sure you don't get stuck with someone else junk problem car. Also ask for the vin number and look up the cars history BEFORE even going to look at the car to make sure it doesn't have any serious accident history etc
icarus1990xx@reddit
Find a six cylinder Subaru. You trade a bit of fuel economy for outstanding performance, rhode manners, ease of repair, and driver amenity. 2000 to 2004 Outback L.L. Beans can be found in rust, free states, and are quite affordable. Iâm partial to the 2010 2014 model years.
danksiess@reddit
Wherever you get your car, get a pre purchase inspection done by a third party shop. Last time I did one was 15 years ago and $500 at the time (dont know prices now), but I had the peace of mind knowing I didn't buy a lemon
WinstonEagleson@reddit
No
x_ceej@reddit
I havenât had any issues. Itâs all about knowing what youâre looking for and asking questions. People will tell you anything, but body language, hesitation, etc tells it all. Thatâs said, I havenât had any major issues.
Shot_Rent_1816@reddit
Heck no
Bubbly-Pirate-3311@reddit
Yes! My first car was from fbmp and it was great for a little bit until it started acting like the brand that makes it (you know exactly which car maker I'm talking about). Then my second car was also from fbmp and has been incredible so far, and I've put many more miles on it than the other car.Â
tads73@reddit
Toyota Highlander or Honda CRV. Get a carfax, avoid rebuilt titles, avoid resellers. If you zero in on a car, try to arrange bringing it to a mechanic, f at least hire one to accompany you.
StoreSignificant5884@reddit (OP)
Okai thank you noted definitely will check all these if I do decide to go il bring a mechanic if not il go to dealership and Toyota or Honda i will see wich one is best I appreciate the help thxÂ
Eric20255@reddit
Buying a car off Facebook can be risky, whether itâs your first time or notâthere are a few important things to keep in mind.
Meeting a complete stranger in a private location while carrying money isnât the safest situation. Unless you bring a trusted mechanic to inspect the car, thereâs also a higher chance you could end up with a vehicle that has hidden issues.
Itâs generally safer to buy from a dealership, but if you do choose to go the Facebook route, take precautionsâbring someone with you and try to meet in a public place like a police station for added safety.
StoreSignificant5884@reddit (OP)
Okai thank u so much im gonna go with my husband he wont allow me to go alone so I won't be alone and my husband said go to a dealership too but its more but I guess its safer to drive bc its all checked and certified you so have a solid point bc fb might have risk and I cant be in risk if I have children in such car that has hidden issues that maybe they dont wanna bring up so I will take note of that thabk you so much for the helpÂ
Gunk_Olgidar@reddit
Not without a pre-purchase inspection from a competent mechanic that you trust.
Way too many people sell their cars on FBM when facing $$ thousands in expensive repairs. You WILL end up with those repair bills. So make sure you know about them in advance (via PPI) and negotiate down the price accordingly.