If you’re in the market for a used car, you may be using several online resources to search for the perfect model and price. These sources can list private sellers and their vehicles for sale, which allows you to expand your search and find some great deals. Doing business with a private seller can be tougher than with a dealership, because there aren’t many ways for you to hold them accountable. The experts at Car-Title.org want all used car buyers to be cautious when dealing with private sellers so they can get great deals on great cars. Here are five things you should look out for when considering a used car purchase from a private seller.
Be sure the price makes sense – If you’re considering a private seller’s online listing, make sure the price they’re offering for the vehicle is in line with the average pricing. If the private seller has the price for the car set extremely high, it may be hard to get him or her down to a reasonable price and to get a good deal on the vehicle. A price that is set much lower than usual for the year, the make and the model of the vehicle may be a signal something is wrong. The experts at Car-Title.org warn you to be wary of a low-priced vehicle from a private seller because it could indicate engine trouble, previous accidents, high mileage or title fraud. Only consider private listings that are comparable to the prices you’ve seen before for the model.
Ask to see the paperwork – When you meet with the seller, there’s nothing wrong with asking to see the title and registration. When the seller hands you the title, confirm that the document looks and feels official. The title should list the exact name of the owner, and should coincide with the name of the private seller offering you a deal. The registration of the vehicle should also list only this one person’s name and shouldn’t include a bank’s name, the name of a dealership, a leasing company or another person’s name. The experts at Car-Title.org also recommend only making a deal if the seller agrees to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles with you to transfer the title to your name. If the seller refuses, he or she may not be the true owner of the car.
Bring a licensed mechanic – Another aspect of buying a used car from a private seller is the soundness of the car’s mechanics. Bringing a licensed mechanic or a friend who knows about the workings of a vehicle can be helpful to understand the car’s reliability. The experts at Car-Title.org suggest not only analyzing how the vehicle is currently working or if it’s been in pervious accidents, but also the current wear and tear on the vehicle. You may be getting a great price on the car, but if it’ll need new tires and brakes as soon as you purchase it, you should factor this expense into the deal. Bringing a mechanic who knows what to look for in a vehicle and who can estimate the maintenance you’ll need to invest can help you determine if the deal is worth it.
Research the vehicle model – If you’re interested in a car that is listed with a private seller, the car’s history report should be pulled to ensure there were no devastating previous accidents. This report can also inform you of any flood damage the car may have experienced. Look into the year, the make and the model to ensure there aren’t any open manufacturer recalls. The car’s history report can also let you know if these recalls have been taken care of by the owner or if the vehicle still needs recall work completed.
Always drive the vehicle – The team of experts at Car-Title.org warns all potential used car buyers to always take a test drive of the vehicle before negotiating. It’s important to know that the car will work for you and to ensure that it runs properly with no obvious issues. If a private seller is refusing to allow you to drive the vehicle, it’s a red flag that something is wrong, and you should walk away from the deal.