Curbstoning And History Of Car Protection

New York state forbids residents from selling more than five cars in one year without a dealer's license. A New York state Department of Motor Vehicles spokesman said curbstoning is not a big problem in this state. But news releases suggest curbstoning is "definitely on the rise" around the nation.

Some states are taking aggressive approaches to the problem. Maryland, for example, has run "sweeps" against unlicensed, makeshift used-car lots that sprout up on empty lots. These car lots present problems similar to those created by the individual unlicensed sellers: they're often here today, gone tomorrow, and the buyers find nothing but an empty lot when they return with gripes.

For state authorities, tracking down the curbstoners who sell individual cars is even more difficult and time-consuming. It often requires "mystery shopping," or setting up appointments with the sellers and posing as buyers. For those who are caught, the punishments are often relatively light.

That's why it's important for buyers to educate themselves and for the business community to get involved to deny curbstoners places from which to operate. Shop owners, for instance, should notify police about cars for sale that sit abandoned on nearby empty lots.

Buyers need to gather as much information as possible and keep their antennae up, he said. It always helps to know the person you're buying for, but even if you don't, there are plenty of ways to protect yourself. If a deal seems fishy, just walk away. It's not like there is a shortage of used cars today.

Learn everything you can about the car before you fork over any money. Some curbstoners have been known to accept a deposit on a car from a prospective buyer, arrange to receive the balance of the payment later, but then just disappear, since the car was actually stolen. And just like in the case of the Florida woman who was scammed, police will confiscate a stolen car, leaving the customer with nothing but debt and and a load of frustration.

When you do find a car you like, have a mechanic check out the car. It's the first line of defense and the easiest. That might cost $ 50 to $ 100 for the shop time, but it's worth it if you're spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on the vehicle. Wait until you've narrowed your search before taking that step.

Even if the mechanic gives the car a clean bill of health, it might have other problems, such as a clouded title, that you need to look for. A vehicle history report, such as those sold by Carfax, can spot those snags. Otherwise, a customer could end up with a car to which someone else has a claim.

Experts also note that lots of cars that are damaged floods are rebuilt and are back on the road again. Carfax said it's increasingly uncovering vehicles with a flood title in their past.

The Consumer Federation of America recommends looking closely at a car's parts to make sure they line up evenly. Check for telltale signs like watermarks on the inside of the doors and the mat under the trunk for mud or dirt.

If you do suspect a curbstoner is trying to scam you, don't confront the person. Walk away from the deal and inform the authorities.

Curbstoning hurts licensed car dealers as well as consumers. While licensed dealers are pouring money into their dealerships and getting proper registration, curbstoners are cutting into their business with illegal sales. That also cuts into state tax revenue.

Vehicle History