One can buy almost everything under the sun on resale platforms, and cars are no exception. But those who have purchased an automobile secondhand know that it’s an interesting journey full of the weirdest, strangest, and arguably coolest vehicles the automotive world has ever seen.
Below, we gathered many such instances for you to enjoy. To find them, all you have to do is scroll down!
While you're at it, don't forget to check out a conversation with motoring journalist Juliet McGuire, car flipper and content creator Lucky McNamara, automotive expert Amelia Dalgaard aka Motorhead Mama, and car coach Lauren Fix, who kindly agreed to share their insights on buying cars secondhand.
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When we asked the automotive world experts if buying a car secondhand is a good idea, they all enthusiastically agreed for many various reasons.
"Buying a used car is a great way to save money. Purchasing a CPO (certified pre-owned) is the wisest choice, depending on your budget. You get the warranty and leave the depreciation to the first owner," says car coach Lauren Fix.
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"Buying used can save you thousands—cars lose value fast in the first few years, so someone else takes that hit for you," seconds car flipper and content creator Lucky McNamara. "If you know what to look for, a used car can be just as reliable as new. Plus, your money goes further—you can often get a higher-end model for the price of a basic new one."
However, buying a car secondhand can cost you more if you're not careful, notes motoring journalist Juliet McGuire.
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Therefore, according to automotive expert Amelia Dalgaard, aka Motorhead Mama the biggest signs to look out for when looking to buy a car secondhand are the following:
- Ensure the vehicle has been well maintained (CarFax and maintenance reports are good, but if you can bring it to a mechanic, even better).
- Ensure it hasn’t been damaged in a fire, flood, or accident.
- Ensure the car you’re buying is indeed that vehicle—check the VIN.
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"Start with the basics: accident history, odometer tampering, rust, title status, and whether the seller seems sketchy or avoids questions. I always check the CarFax and look for inconsistencies like a “low miles” car with worn-out pedals or steering wheel. Also, if it’s a crazy good deal, there’s usually a reason," adds McNamara.
"Make sure that what is being sold to you is, in fact, what you think it is. A big one is a car being in an accident, and it being hidden from you. You can always tell if you look carefully at the paintwork. Any discoloration or uneven tones usually means the car has been in an accident," McGuire additionally warns.
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Meanwhile, Fix suggests having someone with knowledge and experience check out the car before buying it.
"Buying a used car online or from a lot, means that you should be smart and have a certified mechanic check out the car. Typically, the warranty is passed and they have higher mileage. Beware of flood-damaged cars, they can be dangerous to your health, have no warranty, and safety features will not work properly."
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Lastly, we couldn't let the automotive experts go without asking them to share about the weirdest car listings they've ever seen. Surely, they've got to have witnessed lots of them.
"Oh man, this list is so long," Dalgaard says, confirming our suspicions.
"But the weirdest are the people who 'KNOW WHAT THEY’VE GOT' and want 'NO LOW BALL OFFERS', especially when I know that what they think they have is a fraud. Usually, that comes in the form of a 3-series BMW trying to pass itself off as an M3 with a badge from eBay," she jokes.
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"Divorce listings are the weirdest. A frustrated ex-partner can sell a car for much less than it's worth. Damage the vehicle and then try to sell it for cash. These are always amusing," shares Fix.
"One seller uploaded photos of a car fully wrapped in fake grass," McNamara recalls. "I thought it was a prank, but it was real. He claimed it was “eco-conscious,” but the interior had turf too. Imagine mowing your car."
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Finally, the last piece of advice that these experts wanted to leave our readers with is that you can't always be too careful.
"Do your homework - get an inspection on a used car and never buy on impulse," Fix advises.
"I think perhaps the best thing someone can do is utilize a service that inspects a used car for you (if you are not an expert yourself). You can never be too sure with cars, and they are such an expense that you really should want to be sure about what it is you are actually buying," says McGuire.
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"Don’t be afraid to ask ALL of the questions. If they give you a hard time, walk away. You’re the one with the money and the power," suggests Dalgaard.
At the same time, somehow you have to be careful and quick so you're able to score the best deals.
"If you’re shopping used, speed is your secret weapon. The best deals go fast, within hours, so you have to be ready to move when you find one. And don’t be afraid to negotiate. You’d be surprised how much wiggle room there often is," recommends McNamara.
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