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Common Car Scams to Avoid

Avoid Being A Victim The Next Time You Buy
A Car!

Unfortunately, there are quite a few things to be wary of when you plan on buying used cars for sale near you. It's no secret that there are plenty of car dealers who may not keep your best interests at heart when helping you find an ideal vehicle. Some of the stereotypes about used automotive dealers may be true, which is why it's essential to know the people you're working with.

If you're planning to start your search for used cars for sale in Killeen, TX, you'll want to be mindful of the interest rates you're being offered. Some pre-owned car dealerships may tell you that the interest rate they have available is the best one they can find. At times, that extra percentage your paying will go right to the dealer, leaving you to potentially pay hundreds extra over time. This is just one of the many scams that some dealers will try to pull on you when trying to shop for used cars. Below, we'll let you know some of the many other ways that some dealers try to get over on you.

Why Am I Giving All This Away?

I'm not like other car dealers. I believe an educated buyer will become my customer for life. But I also know there's more to buying a car and getting a great deal than color, features, prices and payments…but that's all other dealers seem to want to talk about.

I'm on a mission to put the fun back into buying a car and bring respect and responsibility back to the car business…and giving you free information like this will hopefully be just the beginning of an amazing value-based relationship between us.

Loading Payments

One of the most classic tricks that dealerships try to pull on you is "loading" your payments. By quoting you with an APR higher than what you'll actually end up with, you can end up paying extra without even knowing it! An excellent way to avoid this happening to you is by arming yourself with information and knowledge. Arriving at a Harker Heights car dealership with pricing information on the vehicles you're interested in will allow you to stay a step ahead. However, if you do let a dealer find out you can be conned by this scam, they'll keep trying to add on more and more fees until you're paying an arm and a leg. An educated consumer is one that leaves satisfied, which is why you should always come prepared and stand your ground when searching for used cars for sale near you.

Dealer Prep Fee

A common thing many shoppers also tend to encounter when it comes to scams is an auto dealer prep fee. Most manufacturers pay dealers right off the bat for prep fees on a vehicle, which makes them seem quite suspicious. If you're not interested in having to pay thousands more for unnecessary fees, make sure that you pay attention to each charge on the final contract. Although this is primarily something to worry about with new car dealerships, McLeod wants everyone to make sure they never get taken for a ride when buying or financing!

There's often a misconception that leasing can be a more cost-effective solution when seeking out another vehicle. Although this may be partially true initially, dealerships can end up taking more of your money in the long run when you lease. Sometimes, vehicles are quoted at an inflated price to make leasing seem like the more affordable solution. Leasing may be a solid option for many, but those trying to spend less may be better off financing used cars for sale in Killeen, TX.

Compare Pricing

Another very crucial thing to pay attention to is how the price of a vehicle stacks up to others in its area. Although you can check the internet for the value of a certain vehicle, looking into local prices will allow you to better understand if an offer is competitive. It's important you discuss the cost of a car, truck, or SUV, with any dealer you work with and let them know if you've found a better offer elsewhere. Most times, a dealership will do their best to match prices lower than theirs in a specific area, which is yet another reason to do your research before browsing.

Vehicle History

If you plan to buy used cars for sale in Killeen, TX, we more than likely don't need to tell you how important it is to know about its history. Sometimes, private sellers, and even some dealers, will be apprehensive about providing a full vehicle history report. Often, this can be a red flag that the people you're planning to buy from aren't a completely trustworthy source. As with any substantial investment, you'll want to feel assured you're getting something that will last and working with used car dealerships in Copperas Cove, TX, that are reputable.

Start With Us - Get Pre-Approved!

Another basic way you can avoid scams when shopping for used cars for sale near you is by getting pre-approved. Our Harker Heights dealership offers an online credit application so that you can get all the info you need to determine a personalized budget before you arrive. As a customer, you deserve to be treated with respect, courtesy, and honesty. McLeod is different from other dealers in the way that we want our clients to never be left in the dark or feel buyer's remorse. If you want a way to find used cars for sale near you without running into any of these common scams, be sure to make us your automotive source!

Contact Us Directions Get Approved Now! Search Inventory

Mcleod Auto Sales

1601 E Rancier Ave
Killeen, TX 76541
Driving Directions
254-200-9803
254-200-9803
Monday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Tuesday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Wednesday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Thursday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Friday 9:00AM - 7:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday Closed
Monday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Sunday Closed
Monday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Wednesday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Thursday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Friday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Saturday 7:30AM - 6:00PM
Sunday 10:00AM - 6:00PM