Red Flags You Need to Watch Out when Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car in the Philippines could be a bit of a headache if you're not cautious. Some buyers tend to give in right away when they see a used car that's for sale online or somewhere else. Don't let your excitement and eagerness get the best of you. Carmudi Philippines is an online automotive platform that seeks to help you be a smart car buyer--whether it may be used or brand-new car. It's a must to check several things such as the exterior and engine condition of the used car before you agree to close the deal. You also need to be cautious when shopping for used cars to avoid being a victim of scam. As such, here are five red flags you need to watch out when buying a used car.

Price is Insanely Low

This is the mother of all red flags. There's a high probability that you're dealing with a scammer if the price of a certain used car that's for sale is insanely low. To avoid this, you should first search for the average price range of the used car you're eyeing to buy. You can also ask your friends or relatives who have an idea of the average price range of a certain used car. Always remember that it's not a blessing if the price is too low--it's more of like a ticking time bomb.

Seller is Difficult to Contact

You need to raise the red flag if the used car seller is difficult to contact. If you're having a hard time to contact the seller via mobile phone or private message, there's a chance that you're dealing with a fraud. Why would a seller not accommodate callers that want to inquire about the car, right? Moreover, some scammers would aggressively ask for your personal information—don't share any private stuff about you such as your home address, contact number, etc. Stop communicating with the seller if he/she is too aggressive.

Unusual Stories

It's natural if a used car seller shares a brief history about his/her vehicle, which is also beneficial to you as a buyer. However, you need to be more conscious if the seller starts to narrate an unusual story. An example would be like this: the seller left the used car for sale to a different person and if you're still interested, you need to give your complete home address so that the seller can forward it to his friend's driver for the rest of the transaction—wow, ang daming involved. Too many persons involved in a transaction is a red flag. You need to keep in mind that you should not transact with a seller that complicates things.

Meet-up Allergic

A used car seller should always be open for a meet-up so that the buyer can see the actual vehicle before purchasing it. For the safety of both parties, the seller and the buyer should meet in a place that's deemed safe such as a public parking lot. Forget the car and start shopping for a new one if the seller doesn't want to do a meet-up. How can you gauge if the car is still in good condition if you don't get the chance to see and test drive it.

Papers Not Readily Available

Don't engage further if the seller can't provide or show you the car's official receipt (OR) and certificate of registration (CR). These papers are official documents from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), which states that the car is registered. Without an OR and CR, the car you're looking to buy may be a hot or stolen car.

Buying a used car is quite more difficult than buying a brand-new. You need to be cautious and smart when transacting with used cars sellers to avoid being scammed. Aside from the tips mentioned above, the golden rule when looking for a used car is to not let your excitement and eagerness get the best of you.

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • VinFast PH, V-Green, Green GSM, ink partnership with BDO
    VinFast PH, V-Green, Green GSM, ink partnership with BDO
    Paulo Papa . Today
  • Catch the Suzuki Fronx in all PH dealerships this weekend
    Catch the Suzuki Fronx in all PH dealerships this weekend
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Toyota Motor PH extends TGR Philippines eSports GT Championship 2025 qualifiers
    Toyota Motor PH extends TGR Philippines eSports GT Championship 2025 qualifiers
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • BYD Cars PH debuts all-new Tang DM-i
    BYD Cars PH debuts all-new Tang DM-i
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 17, 2025
  • Omoda, Jaecoo NEV sales breach 600k-unit mark worldwide
    Omoda, Jaecoo NEV sales breach 600k-unit mark worldwide
    Ruben Manahan IV . Sep 16, 2025
  • Check out JMC EV2’s key strengths, weaknesses
    Check out JMC EV2’s key strengths, weaknesses
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 17, 2025
  • Here are the 7 stunning colors of the Omoda C5
    Here are the 7 stunning colors of the Omoda C5
    Paulo Papa . Sep 17, 2025
  • Check out the GWM Ora 03’s key rivals
    Check out the GWM Ora 03’s key rivals
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 12, 2025
  • Here are the Ford Territory Hybrid’s strengths, weaknesses
    Here are the Ford Territory Hybrid’s strengths, weaknesses
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 12, 2025
  • VinFast VF 5: top 3 reasons to buy
    VinFast VF 5: top 3 reasons to buy
    Paulo Papa . Sep 09, 2025
  • How well do you understand traffic signs?
    How well do you understand traffic signs?
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 09, 2025
  • How car collectors can take advantage of Liqui Moly products
    How car collectors can take advantage of Liqui Moly products
    Ruben Manahan IV . Sep 08, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Ford Everest Sport Special Edition: ‘tough’-tier SUV
    Ford Everest Sport Special Edition: ‘tough’-tier SUV
    Paulo Papa . Sep 15, 2025
  • Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S HEV: sporty yet sustainable
    Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S HEV: sporty yet sustainable
    Paulo Papa . Sep 08, 2025
  • ELECTRIA: JMC EV3 - cutesy city slicker
    ELECTRIA: JMC EV3 - cutesy city slicker
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 04, 2025
  • First drive: Here’s why the Li Mega is the ideal pick for those who wants to be chauffeured
    First drive: Here’s why the Li Mega is the ideal pick for those who wants to be chauffeured
    Paulo Papa . Aug 27, 2025
  • GWM Cannon: range day
    GWM Cannon: range day
    Paulo Papa . Jul 29, 2025