What telephone?

Avoid a so-called agent or company without a landline. "If the person with whom you're dealing only has a cellular telephone number, rather shop elsewhere. Large and reputable companies all have landlines," Jacobson notes.

The vehicle supplier should present you with all the necessary paperwork, including an offer to purchase, the vehicle's registration papers and (if available) a service book. "Study all the paperwork carefully," says Jacobson.

Remember that a salesperson at a used car outlet will always work in conjunction with an administration department as well as a finance and insurance (F&I) department. "If the salesperson wants to meet you in the parking lot to do the deal, be nervous and ask questions. Once a salesperson has 'done the deal' so to speak, you're normally handed over to administration or F&I," notes Jacobson.

Financing the deal

When applying for finance, only deal with the professionals in the F&I office at the used car retailer. "When applying for finance, ensure that you are dealing with the actual finance company, and not someone purporting to be from the finance company," stresses Jacobson. "If there is any doubt, telephone the bank or used car outlet and check that the person actually works there."

When paying for a used car, it's also very important to be careful. "Be extremely wary of ever paying cash and avoid it if at all possible. Because of the obvious security risks, we never allow cash on our premises. However, if you are forced into paying cash elsewhere, ensure that you receive an official company receipt that is verified by the financial manager at the company. If a salesperson says the deal is dependent on a large cash deposit, be extremely wary.

"When paying by electronic transfer, confirm the company's banking details and never pay into a private account or give a cheque to a private individual," stresses Jacobson.

Research

It is so important to do your homework. "When you buy a house, you look at 50 houses, you spend time inspecting and comparing them. When you buy a television set, you compare features and prices. A car is your second most important investment ? so it?s vitally important to do your homework. If this happens, you know what to expect to pay. If a car should cost R100 000 and you're offered that vehicle for R30 000, something is horribly wrong, but you will only be aware of this if you?ve done your homework," notes Jacobson.

He says that, as tempting as it is, buyers should never be greedy. "We all want the deal of a lifetime and we all want a bargain. That?s why buyers come to Burchmore?s: they want to acquire cars at wholesale prices. And yes, it's true: some of the cars do represent a bargain. But you will never get a car worth R100 000 for a mere R30 000; that's just not going to happen ? not at Burchmore?s or any other professional used car retailer," Jacobson comments.

Slow and steady

Above all, he says that buyers should take their time. "There is no need to rush into a decision; a used car purchase is an important decision," he notes. Never ignore your gut feel. "If a deal feels fishy in any way, rather walk away," advises Jacobson.

Finally, avoid sensational "once in a lifetime" deals. "The fraudsters realise that people will only take chances when the price is too good to say 'no'. So, generally, they offer extremely attractive prices. If the deal looks too good to be true, walk away. Or examine the conditions and investigate the supplier very carefully before buying," he says.