Advice Before Buying Vechicle from Private Seller (vehicle, salvage, tires)

[ThySeeker]

I found some cars/trucks that people are selling that I could use to replace the broken down gas hogger I am stuck driving. Just pre-$2000 vehicles. I never bought from a non-dealer before. I just do not want them to disclose information that will mean the car will break down or need major repairs within days/weeks. How can I be sure that would not happen, that they are not hiding knowledge. Some sort of written agreement? I feel when I sell my van, or give it away, I will disclose on paper all known issues.

Thoughts?

Thank you.

[jtur88]

I've bought a lot of $1,000 beaters. Here are a few things that I use as first signs:

1. Look around at the house and yard of the guy selling the car. He probably took care of his car the same way.

2. See if the tires match, either in pairs or all four. If the car has four mongrel tires, all different brands and stages of wear, it means he didn't replace anything until it broke. Make sure none are seriously cupped (but they'll probably be cupped a little).

3. Go to a friendly body shop, and have somebody come out and take a minute to show you how to tell if any car has been partially repainted, indicating body work. It's easy to tell, if somebody shows you how.

[jambo101]

Its been my experience that buying used cars from a private party can generally be a much more honest affair than buying from a dealer, as you can judge the demeanor of the owner,get the history of the car hopefully get any work receipts and get the car cheaper than a dealers price.
Dealers generally have no idea of the history of their used cars other than its the best car in the world and you should buy it right away..
Used cars? private sale everytime, new car? go to a dealer

[harpoonalt]

Hit up the forums dedicated to the car you're looking at. Many cars have common quirks or problems and they'll show up in the forums. Once you know a cars known issues, it makes it easier to know what to look for.

[nylonggamer]

most people are way more honest than dealers-everything jambo said is dead on.dealers also have overhead and negotiate for a living. so by going through a dealer you're paying extra money for someone who lies who has expenses to cover who will outnegotiate you on a car whose history you really know a lot less about.

feel the person out, if you're uncomfortable don't buy it.
try and get the car that only has had one owner who has all the maintenance records.
make sure they actually are a private seller and not a dealer (lots of dealers post ads posting as private sellers)

google their phone number, email adress etc.

make sure it's not a salvaged title.

if it's a beater don't expect it to be in great shape, stuff is gonna go wrong. that doesn't make the person dishonest, it makes a beater a beater.no sane person is gonna sell a car for 2000 or less and give you a written guarantee.

[need4speed2012]

Buying From a Private Party

Buying From a Private Party - NADAguides

[LakeLifePA]

Good advice above, but remember you're buying an old sub $2,000 car. Anything can go wrong the minute you drive away, and the seller may not have known anything about it. The car could last you 100k miles too. It's a gamble...

[nylonggamer]

yea a 2000 dollar car is a pure gamble

[jtur88]

Originally Posted by nylonggamer

yea a 2000 dollar car is a pure gamble

So is a new one, and you've placed 15 times as much money on the table.

[calnbs]

I use this website recently, right before I purchased:
National Motor Vehicle Title Information System: Research Vehicle History

Secondly, as another poster said. Do your research on that particular car to see if there are a lot of common issues with that car. See if it's expensive to repair or not. Know that car. Know the car's history, and go and test drive that car and see if it starts, runs smoothly. Check for wear and tear. If nothing else, hired a mechanic $60-100 to go and see that car with you.