Why should car buyers get REVS checks?

 

We hear about used car buying scams and most potential buyers tend to be generally wary when they approach a used car dealer or start browsing for vehicles online. However, a limited number (33%) of used car buyers will take the necessary steps to ensure the car is free of any encumbrance and check the vehicle’s car history, according to a recent www.carhistory.com.au survey. That’s just one in three. So why aren’t more buyers purchasing their own car history reports?

 

Too much to do, too little time – buying a car can be a hugely complicated process. You might need financing and dealing with the banks to secure a loan can be exceptionally stressful. You need to figure out the type of car you want, what all those acronyms mean and then on top of that, try and negotiate a good deal and make sure the car you’re buying doesn’t turn out to be a lemon. Finally, you’ll have to part with your hard earned money! The step to get a REVs check or a car history report can seem pretty insignificant in this unwieldy process.

 

Misinformation – unfortunately, the internet offers potential buyers a vast source of information but also a huge amount of misinformation on the value of car history reports and REVs checks. It’s hard to separate fact from fiction and buyers can find themselves wading through a lot of nonsense when looking for a trustworthy source on used car shopping.

 

Trust in the seller – some sellers tick all the right boxes. They’re referred to you by someone you trust or they seem like really honest people who have all of their paperwork in place. Some sellers may even produce a car history report of their own, as “proof” that the vehicle’s what they say it is. Most of us don’t want to go around with an air of suspicion, casting doubt on everyone we meet.

 

Trust in ourselves – most of us also tend to believe that we’re too smart to fall for a scammer. We’ll be able to rely on our “street smarts” and “instincts” to pick out a shady dealer from an honest seller. This self confidence in our own abilities can misguide us into thinking a check isn’t necessary.

 

Money – it costs $38.95, so for some, they just don’t see the value for money in obtaining a car history report. However, considering that you’ll be spending thousands on your car, it isn’t much of an additional investment, especially if you find out something about the vehicle that could potentially save you thousands on costly repairs in the long run.

 

Not enough information – an encumbrance check won’t give you EVERYTHING. There are still ways a seller can deceive you even if you do a REVs check, so many of us might use this as an excuse not to get a report. (It’s sort of the same reason why some bikers don’t wear helmets when riding a motorcycle...)

 

Lack of knowledge – buying a car is a significant occurrence and generally unfamiliar. Because we only make a vehicle purchase once in awhile, there are always new processes to discover. Many people won’t learn about REVs checks and car history reports until they fall victim to a scam or learn about it from someone else who has.

 

For the most part, many of these reasons are psychological, even rebellious in nature. However, at the end of the day, a car history check is a small investment to give us some peace of mind about a rather tricky process. Education is important, so be smart, get past the excuses and get yourself a car check to protect yourself from scammers.