Buying a car from a private seller – ask these 3 questions first!

Auto

Written by:

570 Views

Looking to get a new automobile to drive to and from work or school? Instead of going to a dealership, you can get a great vehicle by looking online to find an individual looking to get rid of their vehicle for extra cash. But how can you ensure this transaction is trustworthy? 

How to buy a car from a private seller

If you are in the process of learning how to buy a car from a private seller, you might be wondering – what questions should I ask before putting my hard-earned money down on a new vehicle? Although it might be easier to get out there and start driving, you don’t want to choose a vehicle that is going to break down, does not have the proper warranty, or has not passed safety inspections. By asking your private car seller the basic question regarding your future purchase, you can stay safe and confident that you made a good choice for your wallet.

Another tip to keep in mind – after you ask the driver questions about the car, you should test drive the vehicle. You can go with the private seller of the car or you can go alone, but you need to make sure that the car is in good shape and the seller is trustworthy. Since you may be looking to learn how to buy a car from a private seller by looking at ads online, seeing the car in person is the next step to moving forward in the buying and selling process.

Also Read  The best way to keep the resale value of your car high in Jamaica

Why are you selling the vehicle?

The first question you should ask a car owner who is privately selling their vehicle is why they need to sell it. Do they need to sell their car to earn some quick cash since they are in a financial rut or do they find problems with the car? Finding the answer can determine if you should purchase the car from them or not. 

If the seller answers the car doesn’t run as well as it’s hoped or has some performance concerns, look the other way. You want to make sure the only reason that someone is selling the car is that they are moving because they are purchasing a new field, or because they need money in hand.

What is the vehicle condition?

The next most important task before putting money down on a private vehicle is the condition of the car. You need to make sure the seller is open and honest with this question – if you can, bring someone who knows cars with you so they can inspect the vehicle. By checking out under the hood, the dashboard, the exhaust pipes, and other aspects of the vehicle you can confirm the seller is telling the truth re: the condition of the vehicle. 

Are you the original owner?

The last question you should ask the private seller when learning how to buy a car is if they are the original owner. You want to make sure the car has not changed hands too many times, they have the proper paperwork, and the seller knows all of the answers to your questions. If they are confused or do not know the answer, look the other way.

Also Read  Chevrolet Camaros Versions

Conclusion

When learning how to buy a car from a private seller, there are a few questions that you should ask to make sure you are getting a trustworthy and fairly priced deal. Make sure you ask why the owner is selling the vehicle, the vehicle’s condition, and if the seller is the original owner.