Private Car Sales

Tips for buying and selling a used vehicle privately

Many people choose to buy a car privately because they want to get a better deal on the vehicle. The same thing goes for people who sell their vehicles privately - they believe they will be able to get more money for their vehicle than they would at a dealership. However, buying or selling a car privately can be difficult because there are a lot of steps involved - so here are some tips to keep in mind:

Tips on selling a car

• Advertising - Internet ads are an inexpensive and effective way to get interest in your used car. A more traditional method is putting an ad in the newspaper classifieds, or in used car books such as Auto Trader.

• Writing the ad - You want your ad to be concise, clear and correct. Keep it short, but include all the important information, such as the vehicle make, model, year, color, engine details, condition (be honest), mileage (if it's low) and the appropriate contact information.
• Determining the asking price - Don't set the price unrealistically high, or too low. Browse car ads and classifieds to get an idea of how much your vehicle is worth. Another good place to look up the value of your vehicle is in the Kelley Blue Book.
• Preparing for sale - Make sure your car is looking its best for potential buyers. Have the vehicle's service records on hand to show that it's had regular maintenance. Also have the title readily available to prove you're the owner of the vehicle. Answer questions honestly and establish trust.
• Making the sale - Only accept offers that you're comfortable with. Many people make a living by purchasing cars at low prices. Learn to recognize these people and be prepared to say no to very low offers.

Tips on buying a car

• Finding a car - Search through online or newspaper classifieds. They're a great places to find vehicles at good prices.
• Avoiding scams - Before buying a used car, get a vehicle history report done from a resource such as CARFAX. This will cost you a bit, but it will be beneficial in the end. It can protect you against fraud or from buying a lemon.
• Checking records - Ask to see the car title, maintenance records and repair bills to ensure the seller is the registered owner.
• Getting an inspection beforehand - If you have problems with a used car you bought privately, it may be impossible to get any compensation from the seller. Therefore, it's important to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic before handing over any money. Also, thoroughly inspect the condition of the car in daylight and good weather. Bring someone along with you to help you make a good evaluation. Don't expect perfection, but don't overlook serious problems.
• Road test - If you're not allowed test drive, don't buy the vehicle! Take the vehicle for a drive to see how it handles, and be sure to test all of the driving features. Be careful with older vehicles because they may not have all the standard safety features of today.
• Negotiating a price - To avoid being ripped off, do your research on the value of the type of vehicle you're looking for. (The Kelley Blue Book is a good place to start.) When you're ready to buy a vehicle, make a down payment and form a written purchase agreement to guarantee the sale. Beware of cars that seem too good to be true - because they probably are.

It used to be we could depend on the reputation and reliability of North American cars to meet our standards - but could it be the times are changing? Here in the U.S., overseas models are continuing to rise in popularity. Find out why!

If you love your car, you’ve got treat it right – stock will never do for your hot wheels! Whether it’s for performance or just for the look, aftermarket parts can turn that car you just brought home into your own pimp ride.