Here’s a warning for car shoppers who might mistakenly believe they are always covered should a car turn out to be stolen. Plus, one thing you should hide on your car that almost no one does...until it’s too late.
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When You Think That This is Not Your Problem…But It Is
In an earlier article we learned the importance of discovering whether or not a used car may have a non-apparent salvage title issue that could---for a good reason---be a deal breaker for you. Or worse yet, cause you problems down the road when electrical or other issues start appearing months after buying the car.
In another article we learned that not always---but sometimes---you are protected when a car dealer sells you a used car advertised “As-Is” that dies on you shortly after driving off the lot.
And, in yet another article of the same thematic tale of when things go wrong with your new or new-used car, we learned that some dealerships will scam used car buyers with bogus pre-owned car certifications.
What ties all of the lessons learned in the three aforementioned articles is that it would seem reasonable to believe that in all three examples that there are clear and commonsense laws protecting us from these kind of flim-flam tactics that when caught, would be a problem for the seller of the vehicle and not for the buyer. If only this were true.
What is closer to the truth is that even if you do find some justice and return of money lost on a car deal that went south, it is going to take you a lot of time, effort, and even more money having to hire a lawyer to represent you in court and settle the matter. In fact, even then there is always the risk that you will be countersued by the seller and/or discover a delay in a final decision through the appeals process.
Related article: There's a Simple Way to Stop a Thief from Stealing Your Car Says This Mechanic
Stolen Car Problem---Who’s at Fault?
That was the message in a recent Steve Lehto YouTube channel episode where the host discusses the problems inherent when someone unknowingly buys a stolen car and the question of who is at fault afterward is not always clear.... or necessarily legally binding.
In fact, not long ago we learned of a similar problem of stolen vehicles and why you might not want to buy a Ford truck in Arizona.
Follow along with the host in the video below and discover why this is not a simple problem and why the car buyer may find it difficult to ever be compensated after the police confiscate your vehicle as evidence never to be seen in your garage again.
One Spoiler Alert
In case you do not watch the video, a takeaway warning to all car owners is that it would be prudent to ensure that your vehicle’s VIN is covered on your dash to prevent the criminal element from attempting to steal your VIN as a ruse for another stolen vehicle to be sold.
In addition, one good precaution for used car buyers---whether from a dealership or a private seller---is to carefully inspect all VIN labels on a car (some are found in doorways and other locations) before buying and make sure that they match.
That said, here is an enjoyable and informative video about the problem well worth watching.
And finally…
For additional articles related to stolen vehicles, here are three selected ones for your consideration and enjoyment:
- It’s This Easy to Pick the Lock on a Ford Explorer
- The Toyota Most Likely to be Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft
- Best Car Wheel Theft Deterrent Lug Nut
Timothy Boyer is Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for new and used vehicle news.
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