The following tips are intended to help you avoid the pain and inconvenience of getting scammed when purchasing a used Jeep.

1. Telephone contact not possible: Beware of a seller who can only be reached by email. If the truck being sold is exactly what you need, ask in your first e-mail that they send you their direct phone number (preferably landline). If your email remains unanswered, look elsewhere.
2. Too-good-to-be-true deals: An overly cheap price is likely to be suspicious. Also avoid offers with unrealistically low mileage for the Jeep’s age. Claims of a very urgent sale also deserve some caution. The seller may be in a hurry to get rid of a troublesome vehicle.
3. Avoid paying in cash: As a general rule, avoid paying in cash. Here keep in mind that in the event of any issue, it will always be more difficult to pursue the seller if there is no record of your payment.
4. Ask for ID: If he's honest, your salesperson won't be offended if you ask them to show you some ID. You will be able to verify that it is the same name which appears on the identification document. If this is not the case and you are told that the vehicle is that of a distant cousin or friend, go your way.
5. Check vehicle’s history: Unless you know the seller well, demand to see the Jeep’s maintenance booklet and any repair bills. If book and invoices no longer exist, it is better to look for a different option.
6. Get the two sets of keys: All vehicles are sold with two sets of keys. The seller must be able to give them to you. Check that the second set is the original and not a copy made by a locksmith.
7. Finalize the transaction at the seller’s home/dealership: The purchase of the Jeep must be finalized at the seller's home or at the premises of the dealership. This is not just because it's more comfortable than on the street or on the table in the local bistro, but because it will allow you to verify that the seller's address is the same as the one mentioned in the documents.
8. Inspect and test drive the car: If the seller refuses to let you try the vehicle for any reason such as on the grounds that his insurance forbids him to hand the wheel to a stranger, go your way. Make sure to test drive the Jeep yourself. It is very easy for an experienced driver who is familiar with the faults of his vehicle to discreetly adapt his driving to hide them.

To learn more or find used Jeep listings in New Jersey visit Atlantic VW.