Aug 01, 2024 Screan, Mike Schlebach, Maryke Van Der Walt
SCREAN puts the brakes on used car buyers getting scammed
Buying a used car can be a risky decision, but it often beats experiencing the depreciation of a new car's value the moment you drive it off the lot. Finding the sweet spot where a car is still new enough to have modern features while not losing too much value can be tricky, especially with scammers waiting to catch you off guard. From turning back odometers and faking warranty plans and service records to selling cars previously involved in accidents, scammers will try anything to sell you the “deal of the century.”
“Used cars between one and two-years old offer better value than brand-new cars because depreciation has begun to slow down. However, an ideal age is around five years old. While these cars may not have all the latest features, depreciation is slow. It is, however, only considered better value if the mileage is relatively low and it comes with a warranty plan, which is where you need to watch out. If you think the deal is too good to be true, it probably is, and we always suggest to our clients that they rather walk away,” says Mike Schlebach, co-founder of Screan, an innovative digital platform that connects prospective used car buyers with second-hand car inspection experts nationwide who will go to view and inspect a vehicle on a buyer’s behalf.
Historically, women have faced challenges in the used car market, partly due to unfair stereotypes about their automotive knowledge. This bias was so prevalent that car insurance companies often charged women higher rates than men, citing gender as a factor. Thankfully, industry practices have evolved. According to a 2023 survey by Stats SA, men (0.9%) are now more likely to be victims of consumer fraud compared to women (0.6%). Regardless of gender, buying a used car requires careful attention to detail and a trained eye to ensure that the vehicle is mechanically sound and matches its online description.
Maryke Van Der Walt from East London, inspects cars on behalf of Screan and has worked in the used car sector for several years. She says, “most car dealers underestimate just how much women know about cars today, which is why I love what I do. They don’t expect me to know what I am looking for when I inspect a car and are almost always caught off guard, especially if they’re covering up a problem. I want what is best and fair for my clients and will advise them if the deal is not worth pursuing - there is nothing they can do to fool me.”
Screan was founded in 2021 to solve a problem many people have when trying to buy a used car online, especially if it’s in another part of the country. Trusting a dealer is not enough, which is why Screan sends its own independent inspectors to the car within a few hours of a client making a booking online.
After many years of working in the used car sector, Maryke has honed her ability to spot a dud car. The first thing she does is check if the airbag light comes on. “If the light comes on, I know it was in an accident. I then do a 360-degree walkaround and look for scratches. I make sure the car’s colour and interior match the description in the photos, inspect the gaps in the body, and ask to see the service history and VIN number. If any of these are not checking out, I walk away,” shares Maryke.
Scams and unusual seller behaviour that buyers need to look out for range from –
De-horsing or car dealer coercion techniques designed to high-pressure a consumer into buying a car on the spot.
Illegally imported used cars which are becoming more prevalent in South Africa. Extended warranties that are intended to provide cover for three to five years after the manufacturer’s warranty expires but end up running concurrently with the factory warranty
Over-inflated tyres.
A seller that plays loud music or shouts during a test drive, particularly when traveling over speed bumps and potholes.
Signs of air fresheners or fragrance sprays used inside the vehicle.
A VIN (Vehicle Identity Number) that doesn’t match the one on the V5C, meaning the vehicle is probably stolen.
To avoid wasting your time and money on a dud car, buy from dealers that are legitimate and have a good track record. Legitimate dealers will have a proper website, and you should be able to check their customer reviews on platforms like Hello Peter, Google, or Facebook. Also, use legitimate dealer platforms like Change Cars, as they go a long way in vetting the dealers that use their platform, and book a Screaner to inspect a car on your behalf.
For more information, go to http://www.screan.co.za.
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