Buying a Vehicle

Beware of flood damage when buying a used vehicle

Beware of flood damage when buying a used vehicle

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Beware of flood damage when buying a used vehicle

Beware of flood damage when buying a used vehicle

January 10, 2024

Vehicles in floods or severe weather may not be properly identified

PHOENIX – As winter weather patterns start to bring much-needed rain and snow, a possible side effect could be troublesome for those looking to purchase a vehicle. Cars damaged by floodwaters, such as those resulting from the recent 20-25 foot waves or heavy rain storms in California, can sometimes be sold by unscrupulous individuals.

When looking for a new-to-you vehicle, it is important to know its history. Pay close attention to a vehicle’s condition and title status, especially in private sales. If a vehicle is flood-damaged, the title should say “salvage” or “flood damage.” But occasionally people fraudulently remove flood history from vehicle titles, making it more difficult to title or insure the vehicle after the sale is completed.

Potential buyers should remain vigilant when looking at used vehicles, closely inspect the vehicle, don’t sign anything until the vehicle has been checked over bumper to bumper and be prepared to walk away if things don’t smell right – quite literally in some cases.

 ADOT recommends buyers follow these guidelines:

  • Check out all of the vehicle’s nooks and crannies. Look under the carpet and floor mats and examine the trunk for dirt, silt and mold. Check under the dashboard and other hard-to-reach places as well. Scammers usually don’t clean all of those places. Finally, take a good whiff in those areas. Water damage leaves a distinctive smell.
  • Check the electrical and mechanical components. Water wreaks havoc on electrical systems, so check to see if any of those systems aren’t working quite right. Also check the engine for signs of rust or even random new parts. If possible, ask an auto mechanic you trust to check the suspension for water damage. Any of those things could be a sign that you’re in danger of buying a flood-damaged vehicle.

Don’t lose your hard-earned money; walk away if you see any of these red flags.

A buyer can use the vehicle identification number (VIN) to obtain the vehicle history through an online service that may charge a fee. This check can uncover a vehicle’s status as “salvage” or “nonrepairable,” as well as maintenance problems, collisions, insurance claims and titles issued in other states.

Visit the MVD website for more information about buying or selling a vehicle. 

 

MVD: Buying a vehicle? Check its history

MVD: Buying a vehicle? Check its history

I-17 101 traffic interchange

MVD: Buying a vehicle? Check its history

MVD: Buying a vehicle? Check its history

February 15, 2018

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division cautions consumers to beware of potential fraud when buying a car.

“The best defense is to do your research,” says Ralene Whitmer, MVD Title and Registration Specialist. “This is especially true for people buying vehicles from individuals. The possibility for fraud exists and it’s wise for every consumer to thoroughly look into a vehicle’s history. Reputable dealers will always be willing to provide this information, and that same standard should be expected of anyone who sells a vehicle in a private sale.”

A vehicle’s title will include information about its origin and whether it’s been stolen, water-damaged, wrecked, destroyed, or suffered other damage. In addition, some titles will be stamped “Export Only”, which means they were purchased by a dealer from out-of-state or a foreign country and they cannot be legally sold in Arizona.

“The advice from the Motor Vehicle Division is to avoid buying cars in Arizona that are stamped ‘Export Only’”, Whitmer added. “Dealers or individuals who attempt to sell vehicles with an Export Only title stamp within Arizona are breaking the law. Those vehicles can only be sold where the dealer is actually licensed. We have seen problems with this in Arizona communities that border Mexico and other U.S. states.”

Customers can get more information about title, registration and tips on buying and selling vehicles at www.azdot.gov/mvd at the Vehicle Services section.

In the market for a used vehicle? Here are five quick tips to keep in mind

In the market for a used vehicle? Here are five quick tips to keep in mind

SR24-1

In the market for a used vehicle? Here are five quick tips to keep in mind

In the market for a used vehicle? Here are five quick tips to keep in mind

April 20, 2016

By Ryan Harding / ADOT Communications

Not to sound like your parents or elementary school teachers, but when it comes to buying a used vehicle it’s very important to do your homework! A little bit of research up front can potentially save you from making a several-thousand-dollar mistake.

Fortunately, ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division can serve as a resource for protecting consumers in the pre-owned vehicle market. Here are a few tips and resources for you to keep in mind the next time you’re looking for a used vehicle:

Check the vehicle title for liens. It’s very important to make sure there are no liens on the title of a vehicle you are thinking about buying. If you purchase a vehicle with a lien, the title cannot be transferred into your name, nor can you register the vehicle in your name. No registration means you can’t drive the vehicle, and no title means you can’t sell the vehicle.

How can you check for liens? Two ways:

1. Conduct the transaction at an MVD office or Authorized Third Party business. By coming to us, you can have peace of mind that you’ll get the straight scoop on the vehicle record. We’ll run the vehicle identification number (VIN) and check the record. Don’t hand over that check until you’ve verified you can take complete ownership of the vehicle.

2. Use the Lien Motor Vehicle Inquiry feature on ServiceArizona.com. This service performs a real-time search of the VIN number to determine if there is any lien on the vehicle record. The service costs $1.50 and five minutes of your time, but it’s well worth it when you consider the alternative of paying for a vehicle you can’t register, use or sell.

Also, don’t forget to:

Have a trusted mechanic or auto shop inspect the vehicle. Make sure you aren’t buying a lemon. Arizona’s Lemon Law only protects you if you’re buying from a licensed dealer, but there’s no protection for private-party sales. Have the mechanic conduct a complete inspection of the vehicle to uncover worn parts, water damage, poorly repaired collision damage or other safety problems.

Use your good judgment and ask lots of questions. There are no bad questions when it comes to making a big purchase. Ask for identification to make sure the seller is the owner listed on the title. Ask for maintenance records. Check the odometer readings. But most importantly, take your time. If the seller is acting suspicious, unwilling to show ID or records or trying to rush the process, know that you can walk away at any time. There are plenty of other vehicles out there. Take the time to find the purchase that’s right for you.

Finally, if you’ve been a victim of fraud concerning vehicle titles, registrations and driver licenses, ADOT is here to help you. Call our 24-hour fraud hotline at 877.712.2370 or email at [email protected].

ADOT offers consumer tips on avoiding fraud when buying a vehicle

ADOT offers consumer tips on avoiding fraud when buying a vehicle

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT offers consumer tips on avoiding fraud when buying a vehicle

ADOT offers consumer tips on avoiding fraud when buying a vehicle

July 16, 2013

PHOENIX — Buying a new or used vehicle can be a risky process, but by following some guidelines and doing the right research before the purchase, consumers can minimize or eliminate the common buying errors, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Whether making a purchase from a dealership, auction or private party, consumers need to know how to protect themselves from a fraudulent deal. An unscrupulous seller may try to get rid of a stolen vehicle, tamper with an odometer by rolling back the mileage, alter a title, or sell a car with extensive water or collision damage that has not been properly repaired.

ADOT’s Office of the Inspector General conducts investigations into fraudulent vehicle sales schemes, including about 125 cases of odometer fraud each year.

“Most car-buying complaints are from consumers who did not ask the right questions before making their purchase,” said ADOT Inspector General Tom Clinkenbeard.

Buyers are encouraged to do their homework and not be pressured into purchasing a vehicle before doing some basic research. Arizona does not have any provisions or consumer protection such as a two-, three- or five-day rule with a signed contract allowing a person to return a vehicle and receive a refund.

Tools that are available to prospective buyers include a check of the motor vehicle record that can be requested in person at any area ADOT Motor Vehicle Division office by using the vehicle identification number. This check will uncover any issues noted in the motor vehicle file and determine if there are any current financial or operation of law liens. The same service became available June 30 at www.ServiceArizona.com. A buyer should obtain the VIN to allow for other vehicle record sources to be researched.

ADOT recommends buyers follow these guidelines:

Verifying the seller’s information:

  • A buyer should ask the seller to provide photo identification and vehicle documentation.
  • Do not trust statements made to sell the vehicle without documented proof.
  • A legitimate seller will not have a problem providing proof of their identity.

Verifying the vehicle information:

  • Examine the vehicle title. Look for any alterations on both sides of the document.
  • Verify that the title information matches the vehicle.
  • For a used vehicle, verify that the person or business selling the car is the same as listed on the title (a private party must be the owner on the title before they can legally sell the vehicle).
  • Visually check the vehicle identification number on the dashboard and on the sticker in the driver’s door jamb to make sure they match. Record the VIN in order for it to be checked later.
  • Visually inspect the vehicle and have a reputable auto mechanic or repair facility conduct a complete inspection of the mechanical and electrical systems. There may be a fee for this inspection.
  • The vehicle inspection should uncover worn parts, water damage, poorly repaired collision damage and possibly other safety problems which should help in deciding whether to buy or not.

Buying online or from an out-of-state seller:

  • Vehicles that have sustained flooding damage may be required by federal or state law to have that notation on the vehicle title. This requirement varies by state. Not all vehicles coming from an area that experienced flooding are labeled as water damaged.
  • Buying a used vehicle online from a private seller can have risks. It is strongly suggested that buyers inspect the vehicle in person before making a purchase.
  • ADOT does not have any authority to intervene in vehicle sales that were conducted out of state. If a buyer suspects any wrongdoing with the transaction, any action would have to be conducted in the state where the sale occurred.

Beware of odometer fraud:

  • Check the odometer reading on the vehicle and look at the back side of the title to see what odometer information has been entered.
  • A typical vehicle is driven about 15,000 miles per year. If the odometer mileage of a vehicle shows much less than that average annual usage, the odometer may have been rolled back.
  • Rolling back or otherwise altering an odometer is a criminal offense.

MVD title check and online VIN check services:

  • Check for any liens on the vehicle, not only the ones listed on the title. Request the seller provide a current motor vehicle record from MVD to show all liens contained in the file. Note: Not all current lien information is shown on an Arizona vehicle title. Only financial lien holder information is listed on the front of the title.
  • Effective April 29, 2013 the printed version of an Arizona vehicle title carries a warning of “Nontransferable” at the top and bottom of the title if the motor vehicle record contains any type of current lien or other status that will prevent the title from being transferred to a new owner.
  • Effective June 30, 2013 a prospective buyer may check for outstanding liens or other issues with the motor vehicle record using the VIN on www.ServiceArizona.com. This online feature alerts the buyer of any outstanding liens or other issues with the motor vehicle record that will prevent the title from being transferable. There is a fee for this service. No personal information from a motor vehicle record will be accessible or revealed through this customer service feature.
  • The VIN can also be researched through one of the online services such as carfax.com, AutoCheck.com, VINcheck.com or Instavin.com. The record received will show the vehicle’s history of crash repairs, maintenance records, entries from insurance companies and any notations if the vehicle was previously titled and registered in another state. There is usually a fee involved for the online service. No personal registered owner information will be listed on the report.

Arizona law:

  • The Arizona Used Car Lemon Law (implied warranty of merchantability) protects a buyer who purchases a car or truck from a licensed dealer. Under the law, if a major component (not every component) of the vehicle fails before either 15 days or 500 miles, whichever occurs first, the buyer is responsible for up to only $25 for the first two repairs and will be reimbursed for the vehicle purchase price if the problem cannot be fixed.
  • For new vehicles, Arizona law requires a dealership to disclose in writing to a purchaser if damage occurred to a new vehicle and the repair cost exceeded three percent of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price according to the dealer’s authorized warranty rate for labor and parts.
  • In Arizona only licensed dealers are required to possess a bond to cover consumer financial loss due to a business practice problem.