Tips on buying used cars from private sellers

Buying a used car from a private seller can be a somewhat daunting prospect particularly if you don’t know the individual selling the car, and you are not confident enough in your own mechanical skills to know you are getting a quality second hand vehicle. There are however, a few hints and tips to bear in mind when it comes to purchasing a used car, and it is all about doing the groundwork first.

Find out about the vehicle

If it looks too good to be true, then it probably is, so just take some time to find out more about the car. This can include getting a history check carried out to make sure that the car hasn’t been stolen, or still has outstanding commercial finance or car loans on the vehicle. There are consumer organisations who can advise on how to get this information and you may be want to consider getting an independent report on the car as well.

Check out the value of the car

It is worth checking with auto trade magazines or online sites to see if they can advise on the comparative worth of the vehicle, given its age, and condition. Having that price is going to be invaluable when it comes to negotiating price with a private seller or even to judge whether they are offering it at reasonable cost.

For newer cars ask about warranty

Even though you are dealing with a private seller, if the car is new enough there may be factory or dealership warranty remaining that passes to you upon purchase.

Inspect the vehicle

If you are not mechanically minded, then take along someone who is, or ask your local garage to view the car. Make sure that the vehicle is roadworthy and that any relevant registration documentation or information is up to date, and if the car has had a regular service history this should have been recorded. So ask to see these records.

Check that you are dealing with a private seller

Sometimes untrustworthy dealers pose as private sellers if they want to avoid paying tax on car sales, but there are a few clues to watch out for that give them away. If you think you are buying from a private individual, when you call them to ask about the car it should be really the only car they are selling. However if they are a dealer posing as a private individual selling his own car, which does happen, then the giveaway is that they cannot remember which car you are referring to and may ask “Which car are you asking about?” when you call up. Also if there a few cars parked up in the same area with a private “for sale” sign on and you notice that they have the same phone number, then chances are it is a dealer using their mobile number.

Know your rights as a buyer

Unlike dealers, it is very unlikely a private seller will give refunds or a time out clause, but you need to check out your rights as a consumer of second hand products before buying. If you have followed all the hints and tips given above but the car just doesn’t feel right, then walk away and don’t be pressured into parting with your hard-earned cash.

Dealing with private sellers can be a longer process than working with dealerships so it is worth doing your homework, and also reviewing the possibility of car loans and commercial finance deals in Perth as you may be able to buy a new model.

If you are looking to purchase a car, speak to a car loan expert at Finance48 which specialises in fast and affordable car loans, and have the flexibility to cater solutions to your budget.