what to check when buying a used car from a private seller

Do's

1. Before seeing the car, look up the fair market value of the vehicle using Kelley Blue Book.
2. Ask the seller for the mileage on the car so you can do your research.
3. Ask the seller for service records.
4. Check the registration. ...
5. Deal with local sellers, if possible.
6. Check the VIN on the car against the paperwork.

1. What should I check before buying a used car?
2. What are the 7 steps to follow when you buy a car privately?
3. How do you negotiate when buying a used car from a private seller?
4. How do I protect myself from buying a car privately?
5. What mileage is good when buying a used car?
6. What are the worst used cars to buy?
7. Do you need insurance before buying a car?
8. How does buying a car from a private seller work?
9. What information do you need when buying a car?
10. Why you should never pay cash for a car?
11. Should I pay cash for a used car from a private seller?
12. What should you not say to a car salesman?

What should I check before buying a used car?

Exterior

• Body condition. Check each body panel and the roof, looking for scratches, dents, and rust. ...
• Glass. Look carefully at the vehicle glass to make sure there are no cracks or large, pocked areas. ...
• Suspension. Walk around the car to see if it's standing level. ...
• Lights and lenses. ...
• Tires.

What are the 7 steps to follow when you buy a car privately?

The Car Buying Process in Seven Steps

1. Step 1 – Research Car Option. Many people buy cars based on what the car looks like or what they are familiar with. ...
2. Step 2 – Find Financing. ...
3. Step 3 – Take Your Time. ...
4. Step 4 – Negotiate. ...
5. Step 5 – Take Precautions. ...
6. Step 6 – Determine Your Payment Amount. ...
7. Step 7 – Consider Your Other Costs.

How do you negotiate when buying a used car from a private seller?

Make a reasonable offer that reflects both the Private Party Value you found and how closely the car matches the condition the seller claimed it was. First explain how you determined your offer (unreported damage or defects, repairs you will have to pay for, missing features) and then announce your offer.

How do I protect myself from buying a car privately?

How to Protect Yourself When Buying a Used Car in 7 Easy Steps

1. Don't Skip the Test-Drive. ...
2. Check the Car's Title. ...
3. Expect to Get a Free Vehicle History Report. ...
4. But Don't Rely Solely on That Report. ...
5. Get a Mechanic's Inspection. ...
6. Check for Recalls. ...
7. Contact the Previous Owner.

What mileage is good when buying a used car?

Really, it depends on a lot of factors but, if in doubt, shoot for the 12,000-mile/year average. Even so, don't be afraid of cars that are outside of this range, provided the used car in question has been well maintained and there are records to show that.

What are the worst used cars to buy?

The Worst Used Cars You Can Buy, According to Consumer Reports

• 2011 BMW 3 Series.
• 2008 Mazda 5.
• 2010 Dodge Challenger.
• 2016 Toyota Tacoma.
• 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman.
• 2008 Ford F-350.
• 2013 Tesla Model S.
• 2016 Porsche Cayenne. See the Full List. Author: Mike Newman. More:Cars. PARTNER.

Do you need insurance before buying a car?

You may be able to buy a car without having an insurance policy in place, but it's illegal in most states to get behind the wheel and drive without having at least a minimum amount of coverage in place. In fact, you will need to show the seller proof of insurance before leaving the lot.

How does buying a car from a private seller work?

The Easy Way to Buy a Car from a Private Seller

1. Don't Rush When Buying a Used Car. ...
2. Research the Car's History. ...
3. Always Buy a Used Car with a Real Title. ...
4. Check the Vehicle's Title for Liens. ...
5. Consider Using an Escrow Service. ...
6. Review State Laws When Buying a Car from a Private Seller. ...
7. Get a Car Insurance Policy Before Driving Off.

What information do you need when buying a car?

Here's what you'll need to know before you jump into the process of buying a new car — whether new or used — at the dealership.

• Your driver's license. ...
• Proof of insurance. ...
• Form of payment. ...
• Recent pay stubs. ...
• Recent utility bills. ...
• Credit score and history. ...
• Discount information. ...
• A list of references.

Why you should never pay cash for a car?

NEVER tell them you're paying cash!

If they keep hounding you, tell them you're interested in financing but that you want to agree on the price of the car first. If you tell them you're paying cash, they will automatically calculate a lower profit and thus will be less likely to negotiate a lower price for you.

Should I pay cash for a used car from a private seller?

Save yourself a potentially huge headache and avoid using cash in any used car transaction, whether with a private owner or a dealership. It's just not smart. In fact, in the private transaction context, it's probably better to stay away from both personal checks and even cashier's checks.

What should you not say to a car salesman?

10 Things You Should Never Say to a Car Salesman

• “I really love this car”
• “I don't know that much about cars”
• “My trade-in is outside”
• “I don't want to get taken to the cleaners”
• “My credit isn't that good”
• “I'm paying cash”
• “I need to buy a car today”
• “I need a monthly payment under $350”