The used car market is increasingly vibrant thanks to abundant supply and more accessible prices than new cars. However, along with the development of online shopping platforms, the risk of buyers encountering poor quality cars, cars that have been injured, flooded or have legal problems also increases if they lack experience.
Talking to reporters, Mr. Mau Van Quyet - who has 15 years of experience in the field of buying and selling used cars in Hanoi - said that people who buy cars for the first time but do not have technical knowledge should not overconfidence in "owner's car" advertisements online.
According to Mr. Quyet, if the car is not sold by a trusted relative or acquaintance, then relying solely on attractive advertisements can easily make buyers choose cars that do not meet quality standards.
Mr. Quyet said that in fact, most used car sellers often belong to two groups. One is needing money urgently to sell a car, and the other is having a need to switch to a new car model. Therefore, buyers need to be alert to advertisements that try to create a special or too attractive feeling.
To limit risks, he recommends that buyers should choose branded and reputable used car dealerships. When transacting, it is necessary to require the seller to commit in writing about the car's condition or record the negotiation process as a basis if disputes arise. According to him, professional business units are often willing to meet these requirements.
Agreeing with this view, Mr. Dang Khac Cuong - owner of a garage specializing in buying and selling used cars in Thai Nguyen - said that buyers need to be especially wary of posts trying to build trust with personal information of sellers.
According to Mr. Cuong, there are many advertisements introducing sellers as doctors, teachers, soldiers or doing jobs that are highly appreciated by society to create a sense of trustworthiness. However, this may just be a trick to affect the psychology of buyers. A transparent seller often focuses on providing complete information about the car, history, maintenance process and selling reasons instead of emphasizing his profession.
In addition, buyers should not transact at cafes, parking lots or roadsides. Instead, they should meet directly at the vehicle owner's residence and work with the person named on the registration certificate to compare documents, verify identity as well as limit the risk of buying a vehicle through many intermediaries.
During the exchange, it is necessary to ask carefully about the history of use, maintenance, repair and origin of the car. In particular, if the seller answers inconsistently or there is contradictory information, the buyer should consider stopping the transaction.
