How to Buy a Car From a Private Seller
Buying a car from a private seller is a great way to get a great vehicle at a lower price than you'd pay at a car dealer. Often time, many private sellers are also willing to negotiate the price of the vehicle. It's also nice to be able to talk to people that have actually owned and maintained the car most recently. Here's how to buy a car from private seller.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Locate a car that you'd like to purchase by perusing your local newspaper or by simply driving around! Many private sellers simply place a sign in the window of their vehicle and park it on the street. Contact the seller and set up a time to meet and look over the vehicle.
-
2
Once you've located a potential vehicle, research the going price for that particular make and model by using the Kelley Blue Book. This can be done right on their website. This will give you a good frame of reference for price range.
-
-
3
Test drive the vehicle once you've met the owner. This is an important step that shouldn't be neglected. Listen for any weird noises and ask the owner about them. If there are any issues that haven't been repaired, they can be used as leverage in negotiation.
-
4
Ask the owner about maintenance and repair history. Was the oil changed every 3000 miles? Was the vehicle in an accident? How old are the tires? These are important questions to ask and will let you know how the owner cared for the vehicle.
-
5
Negotiate a price with the seller to purchase the vehicle if it meets your standards. Ideally, pay cash for the vehicle and flash a few bills around. Nothing says "I'm ready to buy" like a handful of cash.
-
6
Once you've settled on a price, complete a title transfer with the seller. This can be as easy as signing the transfer. Consult your local Dept. of Transportation for details.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use cash to negotiate a lower price.
If required in your state, make sure that the seller keeps their license plates. You will get new ones when you register the vehicle.
