Ask Amy: 4 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Car + Homeowner Stuck with an $18,000 Repair Bill
There’s a lot more you need to know about buying a new or used car, including ways to save money and protect yourself from potential fraud. Also, the latest in a case in which a homeowner was stuck with a huge bill after a contractor she didn’t hire caused damage to her property.
Avoid fraud and save money when buying a car
If you’ve tried to buy a car recently, you know times have changed. Inventory, high interest rates, and even potential fraud mean there’s more to think about before you pull the trigger on an expensive purchase. Now, more than ever, you need to do your homework first.
Just last week we introduced Wasim Akram to you. He bought a car from Carvana, then discovered the mileage on the 2015 Toyota Corolla didn’t match what was previously reported to the DMV.
The title was rejected and could not re-register. It’s unclear whether it was fraud or clerical error, but Carvana eventually got the car back.
Why you should call your insurance company before buying a car
Attorney Dana Karni with Lone Star Legal Aid joined me for an episode of Ask Amy to talk about all things car buying, including why you should join your insurance company from the start first to pay money for a car you want to buy.
“Call your insurance company now. Tell them I’m about to buy this vehicle, here is the chassis number, how much will it cost me to insure this vehicle? They will let you know right away if they will insure the vehicle,” Karni said.
This is not only to find the best deal but also a way to double check your VIN number history.
Karni says when it comes to the car’s history, ask the dealer these questions:
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Has the vehicle been in an accident – if so, what type?
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Was it considered totaled by another insurance company in the past?
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Where did you get the vehicle? Did you get it at an auction?
There are many places you can go to get help if you have a problem with a car dealership
Watch the full episode of Ask Amy with Karni, where he also explains what yo-yo financing is and what to look for when working with a dealer or financing company.
Homeowner stuck with an $18,000 bill
What would you do if you were suddenly stuck with a huge account, all because of someone else’s mistake? It could happen to anyone who hires people to work in their home.
A desperate homeowner contacted KPRC 2 Investigates after claiming contractors caused thousands of dollars in damages and now she can’t get anyone to help her.
This case involves a homeowner, a trail association, and a fence contractor. Find out why it takes so long and what you should do before letting someone onto your property.
Have a consumer question? Send an email to [email protected] and I will work to find the answers for you!
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