How To Protect Yourself

Once you have selected an overseas car for purchase, it should be inspected before conclusion of the deal by an independent, competent mechanic. It is recommended that a broker involved in the deal is not to be used for this purpose for two obvious reasons: (1) Brokers are usually not competent as mechanics, and they can confuse having sold a number of cars with real knowledge and ability to evaluate the mechanical condition of a particular car; (2) Brokers may be conflicted in that any negative conditions they report may kill the deal and ultimately come between them and their commission.

Also, in our experience, buyers who are successful frequently do not rely exclusively on any one source concerning the provenance, history, value, or acceptability of the car. Astute buyers often can maintain confidentiality, but check these items with knowledgeable and independent sources who are not part of the deal, and have no reason to tell anything other than the truth.