Published Jul 28, 2026, 10:54 AM EDT
Buying a used car? These seven tips can help you spot scams, avoid costly mistakes and find a reliable vehicle with confidence.
Whether you're PCSing to a new duty station, buying your first vehicle after basic training, or replacing a family car after a cross-country move, purchasing a used car can be stressful. Military families often have limited time to shop, and scammers know that. However, if you are in the market for a used car but are worried about being scammed, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Not all dealerships are out to get you, and not every seller on Facebook Marketplace is a scammer. But that doesn't mean you don't need to be careful. Buying a used car can be time-consuming and exhausting because of all the homework involved. You'll need to research the vehicle, contact the seller, review its history, inspect it, test-drive it, and then exchange your hard-earned dollars for a title with your fingers crossed that you didn't buy a lemon. Fortunately, if you're careful, and remember these seven tips, you will be able to be a little more educated when you start your car-shopping process.
Image by: Dayro Villaverde, Pixbay
1. Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection
