Im looking at a car for sale and it was listed at 2,500$?

2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
126,000 MILES • 2.4L • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
AUSTYNHASKELL200
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Im looking at a car for sale and it was listed at 2,500$ and i got it down to 2,000$, later on while messaging the person, they told me it was a dealership transaction and that its fully through a dealership they own. they said i can come in and just give a deposit and they would sign over the title and the bill of sale to me and that once i paid the full amount, they would sign over the car in full. i asked for the vin and they gave me it and i ran it however and it shows that the last reported mileage is 86k, but on the listing it shows 126k. so im wondering if this is a good buy and if its safe and legitimate. i live in a state with lemon law but i wasn't sure if it applies to this.
Aug 20, 2026 at 9:59 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 15,333 POSTS
Lemon laws generally don't apply to used as is vehicles. Normally you go to the dealer, give them a down payment, they then issue you a lien title and bill of sale. They also charge you a bunch of interest and fees. Then once you get all the payments finished they issue a lien release that basically says that the loan is paid off and you now own the vehicle. At that point you actually own the vehicle and can sell it or whatever.
Where did you run the VIN? Keep in mind that most of the online outfits only show the items that shops actually report, for instance if you go to a shop that doesn't use a reporting system, it doesn't show up. Or if it has been on a dealer lot for a while, they may be using it to go to auctions or as a loaner and that doesn't get recorded until the next time it is registered.
Aug 20, 2026 at 11:25 PM
Avatar
AUSTYNHASKELL200
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
its from a small dealer, im giving a deposit and he giving the title and bill of sale and when i pay it off he will sign it fully over to me. hes selling it for cheap and im buying it outright in cash not financing.
Aug 28, 2026 at 9:07 PM
Avatar
AUSTYNHASKELL200
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
the car isnt being sold as is either.
Aug 28, 2026 at 9:07 PM
Avatar
AUSTYNHASKELL200
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
he also uses it as a rental car for his rental company so miles go up and he says no problems with it and i somewhat believe it because of the rental company standards im assuming.
Aug 28, 2026 at 9:08 PM
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 15,333 POSTS
Lemon laws only apply to new cars. He might give you a warranty like a 30 day/3000 mile but that is about it for a used car. Rental means nothing, just that a lot of people have driven it hard because it isn't theirs. About the only thing is that many tend to service them but even then it depends on the company. If it were me I would call a shop that you trust and schedule it for an inspection before you buy it. If the shop says it's in good shape and you like it, buy it. My wife currently drive a 2015, it's not a bad car, as long as it is maintained. The engines have a few known issues but these days that seems to be common with every brand out there. Even the "bulletproof" Toyotas have issues. Seems like they all forgot how to build vehicles that last anymore.
Aug 29, 2026 at 2:34 AM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.