Madigan: Beware When Buying Used Cars

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is hoping to educate people regarding the potential to get taken for a ride when buying a used car.

As WBBM Newsradio’s Mike Krauser reports, Madigan says her office gets about 200,000 consumer complaint calls each year, and among the top five are about used car dealers.

“I think many people are looking for, you know, a more affordable vehicle to purchase, and because of that, you still have a good deal of used car dealerships, and they seem to be thriving in the sense of getting more business than the new car dealers are – although we’ve seen a recent surge in new car purchases, but that’ s been really only the last six months, I’d say,” Madigan said.

Madigan says anyone buying a used car should be sure the required buyer’s guide contains what was discussed with the dealer, and get everything in writing – including the title report. Also, perhaps not as easy, Madigan advises getting an independent inspection.