How to Successfully Buy a Used Car

I have never bought a brand new car nor have I ever taken a loan out on a car. I have always bought used vehicles from private sellers. There is an art to this though. While I’ve had great experiences with both cars I’ve purchased this way, not everyone has had luck with buying used cars or purchasing vehicles from private sellers.

Purchasing from a private seller can be a bit unnerving, just like buying a used car instead of a brand new car can be a bit worrisome. However, you don’t have to worry about buying a used car from a private seller if you keep these simple tips in mind:

1. It helps if you know the seller beforehand. The first car that I bought from a private seller was a car I purchased from a family friend. We weren’t very close but I knew her enough to know that she wouldn’t sell me a lemon. She was up front with the problems that the car had. It needed new tires, new brakes and rotors and the trunk didn’t always open. I purchased the car for $1,000 and had the car for four more years.
2. Have the car checked by your mechanic. If you have a trusted mechanic, you should get the car checked by YOUR mechanic before you make the purchase. Ask the seller if you can take the car on a test drive, drive the vehicle to your mechanic and have them do a quick look. Even if the private seller says that they just had the car looked at, you should have it checked by someone you know and trust.
3. Check the Kelly Blue Book price. This is important when you are purchasing any car. Check the KBB listing for the car. You can look up the year, make and model, factor in mileage and other damage to get the suggested selling price of the car. You want to pay at or below the KBB price. You can use this information to haggle with the seller. KBB also offers reviews of the car from consumers so you can get a good idea of how the car will run.
4. Be knowledgeable about the vehicle. Do your research and make sure you know what you need to know about the car prior to arriving to see it/buy it. Have a list of questions ready for the seller about the car. If you are not sure if you will be able to come up with a good list of questions yourself or know the right questions to ask, bring someone along who can help you become more knowledgeable about the vehicle.
5. Don’t be pressured into buying. Many private sellers as well as dealers on car lots will try and pressure you into buying a vehicle. Private sellers will oftentimes tell you that there is more than one person interested in the vehicle and that you’ll have to make a decision quickly in order to still get the car. Don’t be pressured or threatened by these statements. Tell them that you are going to continue to think about it and shop around.

Have you purchased a used car from a private seller? Did you have any luck? 

Photo: Flickr: refreshment_66