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I am looking to buy a used car through a private sale and I don’t know anybody to come with me who knows about cars so what do I need to check out when I go and inspect any cars?

11 Comments »

1. 

   Okay, a private seller…..I don’t think you are gaining anything there, but it is your choice.

   As to what to look for……with any used car that you are seriously interested in, you need to run the VIN through CARFAX. This service, though not free, does provide very good info on the vehicle.

   Alright, you found a car that you like, what to look for?

   First, walk around the car; see if the car sits level and straight on level ground. If not, there is probably a tire or suspension problem.

   2) Check the color of the paint on different panels in the same light. You are looking for different shades, which will indicate that the vehicle has been in an accident. Check the spacing between the body panels or the gap between the hood and the fenders, the trunk and the rear fenders, ect. Check the bolts or fasteners in the wheel well, see if they are all the same and in the same position. If not, then this car has been hit in an accident and repaired. If the body shop did not take the time to match the paint, adjust the doors or the hood properly, or use the correct bolts or fasteners for that particular model of car, then it’s a pretty good bet that the whole repair job is crummy and you need to walk away.

   3) Modifications—If you are looking at a vehicle that has been extensively modified from it’s original specifications, then you need to know who did the work. There are business and individuals who are recognized for their skill in modifying an automobile, yet still keeping it safe and reliable. Then, there are knuckleheads, stay away from the knuckleheads. Street racers, low riders, oversized rims and engine mods are mods that I personally steer clear of. Now, there are professionals that can and do these mods with great skill, and if a vehicle that you are looking at has been touched by one of these professionals, than the current owner will gladly tell you that. Otherwise, leave it alone.
   Car Stereos–oh what a nightmare!!!!!! If the current owner tells you that they installed the car stereo themselves, make it part of the deal that a professional car stereo installer needs to check it out before you buy. Wiring Harnesses are VERY expensive, if it has been cut into and you start having electrical problems, well, replacing the harness is your only choice.

   4) Mechanical—Unless you or a family member know of a good, reliable mechanic, I would suggest you take the car to a dealership for an inspection. It will cost you about $80.00, but they should be pretty up front about the mechanical condition.

   There are good cars out there that private parties have for sale. Yet, many people who are selling a car are usually asking a higher retail price and get personally insulted when you offer them a lower one. My advice…go to a reputable car dealer, one that has been in business for a while.

   Comment by sfcjcl — July 9, 2011 @ 11:28 pm

2. 

   This is a good question, as a car dealer you should treat this situation like a parches from a car dealer.
   1) Look the vehicle over like you would at any car dealer, ask question about the car (service history, records, accidents, )
   2) Test drive, DO NOT BUY A VEHICLE WITHOUT ONE!!!! You wouldn’t if you went to a dealer so whats the difference.
   3) Car fax ask if the owner has one if he or she will run one for you, any seller not afraid of their vehicle will be more then happy to provide you with one if they can to back up their claims.
   4) Ask if you can take the vehicle to your mechanic for his inspection. If the seller sells NO, run don’t walk out of there.If they allow you. great! It will be worth the extra the money, and even if they find something don’t rule out the vehicle you may want to use that as a negotiation tool.
   5)Do your home work, that means get on the Internet and find out how much the vehicle your looking at is worth both wholesale and retail and then make a offer. And please don’t insult the seller make a reasonable offer.

   Comment by ANTHONY C — July 9, 2011 @ 11:28 pm

3. 

   Buying a car from a private seller can be a head ache if you don’t know what to look out for. If you want to look through a free how-to guide, there is one at The Auto Evaluator. It have 7 checklists you can print out, but you will only need 5 of them. "Phone log", "Before Starting", "Starting & Observing", "Test Drive", and the "Bill of Sale." They are free to download and the website has a walk through that describes each process.

   The above posters have also given some good advice, so I hope all this helps you to find the perfect used car and to make sure you don’t get stuck with someone else’s junk! Good Luck!

   http://www.theautoevaluator.net/Before_1.html

   Comment by The Auto Evaluator — July 9, 2011 @ 11:28 pm

4. 

   OTTER is kind of right, aswell as that look under the car engine for any oil leaks.if u dont know what you are looking for wipe the whole under car with a tissue and wait 5 mins to see if any thing leaks.also check the spare tyre for any dry damage or rust.inside the petrol cap you will find a little grey piece of plastic use this to check the tyre tread.check the exhaust for any rust on the back box(the part of it you can see).

   Comment by Gary F — July 9, 2011 @ 11:28 pm

5. 

   When i was looking to get a used car i went to this site http://www.samarins.com It is a VERY GOOD site for buyers of second hand cars. The guy explains all about what you should look for in a used car and how to spot any potential problems. The information he gives is very detailed, contains pictures and explainations written clearly.

   Comment by gatorade — July 9, 2011 @ 11:28 pm

6. 

   full srvice history
   no horrible slugey stuff round the oil well or petrol tank
   tidy clean exhaust, when it starts up, no blue smoke, horrible noise
   good looking tread on the tyres

   ask if you can take it for a go round the block before you make any desicions

   don’t be afraid to say no, you don’t want it
   and don’t kick the tyres, private sellers hate tyre kickers!!

   Comment by Little Bear — July 9, 2011 @ 11:28 pm

7. 

   Check the seller has the V5 documents. Get your self a car price guide like parker’s or similar. Check the sellers price in the book cmpared with the overall condition of the car. The condition of the car should roughly tie up with the mileage (eg if the car has been clocked, it seems to have low miles but in a poor overall condition i would be weary of buying it) Check the bodywork. Ask to take the car out for a drive, with you driving and the seller in the car, see how the car drives. Would be better if you could take a mechanic or someone with you but i would also say if your female then take a guy with you, any guy dont matter who but it does help if there is a guy with you!!

   Comment by Carrie Bradshaw wannabe — July 9, 2011 @ 11:28 pm

8. 

   Initially check the condition of a car throughout.Then price of a car according to the condition.Check and confirm that is seller has the ownership of a car.And after possession of a car also transfer the onwership of a car to u.

   Comment by life rocks — July 9, 2011 @ 11:28 pm

9. 

   CarFax, your Mechanic and pray.

   Comment by bruce c — July 9, 2011 @ 11:28 pm

10. 

    Make sure the owner presents you with a full service history (ie what’s been done to the car by various garages). It’s the way you can tell if the car has had regular services at the right time, and also when was the last one, what did they do to it, is there a regular service coming up that you might have to pay for, has it been extensivley repaired at any time etc)

    Comment by Otter — July 9, 2011 @ 11:28 pm

11. 

    I bought an old corsa about 3 weeks ago from a private seller,It was clean inside and out ,the engine loOKed very clean ,there was no signs of gunge in the oil and it drove ok,8 days later the engine blew up and I lost £500,so please try to take someone even if its only a friend or neighbour with you.

    Comment by Vicky Up — July 9, 2011 @ 11:28 pm

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