I Want to Buy a car from a private seller?

Aug 25 2009

What are some things to look for or some procedures to do when buying a car from a private seller? Below is the car I would like to buy from a private seller…Thanks!
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=240628164&dealer_id=62211403&car_year=2000&num_records=25&systime=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&search_type=used&distance=10&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&first_record=126&make=&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceASC&address=90014&advanced=&end_year=2002&pager.offset=125&doors=&transmission=&max_price=2500&cardist=2

3 responses so far

  1. Make sure you get it checked out by a Mechanic first. If the seller won’t let you get it checked, walk away. It may cost you $100 but it’s better to spend $100 now then spend $2500 for a lemon.

  2. Little Snarky Foo-Foo™

    Make sure they have the title IN HAND. If they don’t show you the title, walk away.
    If you’re buying it as-is, take it for a test drive (even with the current owner in the car with you). Drive to a public parking lot, like a shopping center, park it in a clean spot. Turn the engine off. Let it sit for a few minutes. Start it up again and back up for a few feet. Get out of the car and look to see if there’s a puddle of engine oil or other fluids that hadn’t been there before you parked.

  3. TUBBY SCRAP METAL

    Take an adult or two with plenty of car buying experience..
    You can not learn it over night!
    Used car salesmen will chew you up and spit out the pieces they don’t like.
    Oh, and yes it is great advice to get an independent vehicle inspection report done prior to purchasing any used car.
    Good Luck!