Always insist on having the vehicle inspected by a licensed third-party mechanic before committing to any purchase. Dealerships may not disclose all issues, so an independent assessment can save you from unexpected problems.

In our case, we requested the work to be done to rectify the engine issue they said was pending, and we even paid half for it, but they insisted that the check engine light would resolve after some driving. Unfortunately, we learned the hard way that this wasn’t true.

DO NOT simply trust what you’re told. Make sure you verify the vehicle's condition with a third-party shop that is completely unaffiliated with the dealer before you buy the car. Even though we had two other people look at the vehicle, it seemed clean on the surface (but we had no idea what was lurking underneath). The issues weren’t apparent until the oil change and further inspection by a licensed professional who had to dig deeper into the car's engine codes and components.

When in doubt, keep shopping. Only the dealer had the knowledge of the true condition, as they told us it was just the spark plugs—which they claimed to have fixed. We trusted the wrong people and ended up paying the price. Don’t make that mistake.

Use services like Carfax or AutoCheck to get a detailed history of the car, including accidents, repairs, and previous ownership. However, be cautious—even if a dealer provides a report, take steps to verify its authenticity by cross-checking it directly with the service provider. In our case, we were given a Carfax report that appeared to be legitimate, but it seems it was either altered or did not fully reflect the vehicle's history.

If the check engine light is on, or if the dealership claims it’s a “simple fix,” be cautious. An illuminated check engine light could indicate more serious problems. Get a clear explanation in writing and verify it with your own mechanic. This is one I will never fall for again. No check engine lights ladies!!! Let THEM fix it and get your inspection.

Take your time during the test drive. Drive the car on highways, local streets, and different terrains to check for any unusual noises, vibrations, or handling issues. Don’t rush this step—it's your chance to identify any immediate concerns. We did test drive but sometimes things don't show up right away so following all of the steps is critical. And pray ladies. Just pray for divine guidance 'cause everyone isn't a good person out here. (Some people are honest though! Don't give up.)

If the dealership offers to fix any issues before purchase, make sure all promises are in writing. This documentation can protect you if problems arise after the sale. If they aren't comfortable putting it in writing, there might be a problem and you should take your business elsewhere. You also may want to negotiate a limited warranty to ensure it doesn't fall apart after you drive off the lot. Here's more from the Texas Attorney General on the fine print of buying a used car. Here's more about your rights under warranty law from the FTC to give you some additional food for thought before making a decision on what is required and acceptable to you.

If a dealership pressures you into making a decision quickly or tries to make you commit before addressing concerns, take a step back. A reputable dealer will allow you time to conduct proper checks and make an informed decision.

Before visiting a dealership, thoroughly research their reviews on platforms like Google Reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Pay close attention to the negative reviews and how the company handled conflicts. This can provide insight into how they treat customers when issues arise and help you understand the type of company you're dealing with.

Familiarize yourself with your state's lemon laws and consumer protection rights. If the car turns out to be defective, knowing your legal options can help you take action more effectively. Texas DMV Lemon Law Info

Hopefully, it doesn't come to this, but if your situation can't be resolved and you suspect odometer fraud or other types of auto fraud, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. It's important to report suspected fraud to the FTC and consider reaching out to a Consumer Attorney or Auto Fraud Attorney to explore your options, especially if there was a failure to disclose damages, odometer fraud (which is a criminal offense), or other concerns. To get started, try searching for "used car dealer fraud attorney [City, State]" to find legal professionals who specialize in this area. Many offer a free initial consultation to help you understand your rights and options. You can also report the dealership to the following organizations:

Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – 1-877-382-4357

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV)

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – (202) 366-4761

Report Fraud to the FTC – File a Complaint on a Consumer Contract