Pet Peeves in Used Car Ads
Ever notice some of the nonsensical things folks do when they place a used car ad? I have, and here are a handful of these amusing but annoying gems I see over and over:
Original miles: Example: 1995 blah-blah with "only 56,000 original miles". Is it not sufficient to just say "56,000 miles"? Really, it's kind of understood unless the car has a replacement engine, which one would hope would be indicated in the ad.
Actual miles: Umm, as opposed to what, those that are imagined? Like "original", this is assumed unless the car has had a replacement engine (which again should be indicated) or perhaps a problem with the odometer, which is very rare.
Average Wear and Tear: Could you please define "average"? Better to say whether or not the seats are ripped and the bumpers are gouged, rather than leave it up to a potential buyer's interpretation, which likely would be a worst case scenario.
Low Miles: Great, but the seller doesn't indicate what they actually are. You would think they'd want to show this potential selling point in detail, rather than leaving it vague.
Excellent Condition (But No Pics to Prove It): The seller blathers on about how nice the car is inside and out, but yet there are no pictures of the car's interior, engine compartment or trunk to back up the boast, just one out-of-focus profile shot.
Lack of Info: In a newspaper or online ad, you may be left wondering: Is it a manual or automatic, coupe or sedan, top-of-the-line trim or stripper base model? You don't know until you call, because all the seller stated was "2002 Honda Accord, Excellent Condition, 60k miles. $7000" Other times, you may see a "For Sale" sign on a car, but neither the mileage nor the asking price are indicated, just the year, make and model with a phone number.
Have you seen other examples that are just as annoying? If so, what are they?
John DiPietro, Automotive Editor
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- John DiPietro September 18, 2008, 5:00 PM
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- used car ads
"Highway miles" (usually seen on very high mileage vehicles)
"Too much to list" (a sign of laziness -- I want details and you're supposed to be SELLING me the car)
No price given -- Then you won't be getting a call or e-mail from me.
I agree with all but "Average Wear and Tear". That's someone meaningless, but not inappropriate. In fact, I just went to the appraisal section of Edmunds.com and appraised my car. They made me select a condition and "average" was one of them.
You asked for a definition of Average and this is how the company you work for defines it (spelling error and all) for a model 2000 car:
"Vehicle may have a few mechanical and/or cosmetic problems and may require a considerable amount of reconditioning. Exterior paint has some dullness. Vehicle may have a considerable amount of scratches or dings. Interior material is slightly worn and faded. Tires have some useable tread remaining. Vehicle has a clean title and has the ability to pass an emissions inspection."
someone = somewhat
Ya always see it right after you post.
Dealers, STOP USING THE PHRASE "Red and ready!" You come off sounding like the stereotypical crooks that everyone imagines car dealers are like.
I'm guessing "original/actual" miles is a holdover from the days when odometers were mechanical (hence prone to problems) and/or only had 5 digits?
brn,
Yes, that's how we define "Average", in fairly concrete terms.
Unfortunately, when someone states "Average wear and tear" in an ad and doesn't elaborate, you're left wondering what the heck their definition is.