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If you are in the market for a used car in the state of Missouri there are few things you must be aware of before setting out on your car buying journey. By understanding the unique challenges of Missouri's used car market, you will be able to make an informed decision and be less likely to fall victim to some disingenuous seller or conman.
Missouri is no stranger to severe weather events in fact, events such as tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and ice storms are more frequent in this state than the national average. The Missouri Department of Public Safety reports that the state experiences an average of 30 tornadoes per year, and heavy rainfall can lead to flash flooding, particularly in the eastern and central regions. According to the National Weather Service, Missouri has experienced over 600 severe weather events in the past decade alone. These weather events can cause significant damage to vehicles, including water damage effecting the vehicle's interior, electrical systems, engine, transmission, and other drivetrain components. Hail damage and flying debris can also cause cosmetic and structural damage.
Missouri is also facing significant economic challenges, with a higher poverty rate and lower median household income compared to the national average. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the poverty rate in Missouri is 13%, which is 2% higher than the national average. People experiencing economic hardships are less likely to perform regular maintenance and repairs on their vehicles. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that used cars in economically distressed areas are 20% more likely to have mechanical issues compared to those in more affluent regions. This has an immense effect on the used car market in Missouri as it is saturated with poorly maintained vehicles with preexisting issues.
Further compounding the economic hardships is the elevated rate of property crimes, including vehicle theft. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the state's vehicle theft rate is 20% higher than the national average. This means that there is a greater risk of buying a car that has been stolen or involved in criminal activities, which can lead to legal complications and financial losses.
Frequent weather events and high property crime rates as well as a no-fault insurance system have a considerable effect on insurance rates in the state. Insurance rates within the state of Missouri are among the highest in the country. The Missouri Department of Insurance reports that the average annual cost of auto insurance in the state is $1,300, which is about 20% higher than the national average. These elevated costs can add a significant financial burden to car ownership, increase vehicle default rates forcing lenders to repossessed vehicles which will eventually get sold back to the consumer, in most cases in substandard condition.
One other vital thing to keep in mind is that Missouri is a predominantly rural state, with many areas far from major cities. The Missouri Department of Economic Development notes that over 60% of the state's population lives in rural or semi-rural areas. This means that a lot of the vehicles may have been extensively used on dirt roads and may show extensive wear on various vehicle components such as suspension, tires, brakes and steering system. The poor automotive infostructure can also make it challenging to find a wide selection of used cars, especially in smaller towns where there may be only a handful of dealerships or private sellers. The limited options can lead to higher prices and fewer choices.
In addition to all the socioeconomic and weather related events and crime, it is vital to keep in mind that Missouri has strict regulations when it comes to vehicle titles and registrations, which can complicate the process of buying a used car. The Missouri Department of Revenue reports that over 10% of used car transactions in the state involve some form of title or registration issue, such as liens, salvage titles, or missing documentation or fraud. These issues can delay the transfer of ownership and lead to legal complications.
Understanding the issues effecting the used car market in the state of Missouri is just the first step of the car buying process. To be able to better gauge the vehicle's value and legitimacy it is vital to always check the vehicle's history. This can be done with a simple Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) based search. Simply enter the vehicles VIN into any one of the VIN search boxes on the VinCheckUp.com website to get instant results. A vehicle history report in Missouri is an invaluable tool that can uncover a wealth of information that the seller may not want you to know.
This information may include:
While a vehicle history report in Missouri acts as an invaluable tool in the used car buying process it may not provide an accurate representation of the vehicle's current condition. To get an accurate understand of the vehicle's present condition it is absolutely vital to have the vehicle inspected by a professional automotive technician prior to finalizing the purchase. A professional pre-purchase vehicle inspection may unlock a wealth of information related to the vehicle's current condition, value as well as identify any possible hidden damage. The advantage of having this service performed lies in the fact that the in person professional inspection can identify issues that were never reported to any government agency, insurance company or certified automotive data reporting facility. This adds some desperately needed transparency to the used car buying process in the state of Missouri.
By not rushing the process and researching the vehicle and having it inspected you are able to take some of the guess work out of the used car buying process. Additionally doing this extra work can give you some peace of mind and confidence knowing that you are making an informed purchase decision.
Growing Population
with over 6 million people currently living in mo
6 million+
registered vehicle in mo
1 in 5 cars for sale in mo
has had a previous accident
2 million+
vehicles sold in mo annually
Conducting a simple VIN check before purchasing a vehicle is a crucial move that may help you avoid potential problems and future expenses. Taking this step may give you the opportunity to:
In today's market, transparency is everything. By checking the VIN, you equip yourself with the knowledge to make an informed choice, safeguarding your investment and ensuring you drive away with confidence.
