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June 22nd, 2009 |

How to save money when shopping for a used car from a private seller

There are some important items to check when buying a used car private sellers and listed here below. Follow these instructions before paying the deposit and you reduce the chance of buying a headache. Hopes that this car to get a good price, keep its resale value, be reliable and good. Ready to start?

Check the car in general first. If you think it is appropriate follow these steps.

Check the title.

No use paying good money for what seems like a bargain, when in a few weeks or months, the car is arrested for outstanding debts attached to it. There are several ways to check this in terms of local circumstances:

1. Check the details with the owner of a local or state government agency and if there is money still owed on the vehicle.
2. Some agencies can also indicate whether the car has been canceled or lost and then rebuilt. Definitely stay away from a car that has been "reborn" as its resale value will suffer when trying to sell over time.

Check the authenticity.

1. Look at the registration documents and ensure that the plates, the chassis number or identification vehicle number and engine number are exactly the same as registration details.

2. In older cars look at the chassis number of the car and ensure that no tampering. Make sure it looks authentic – no extra clean and just repainted. This could mean that the number has been tampered with by grinding away the old number and its replacement by a new one. Stay away from a car in this condition.

3. If the car has log books and / or ownership of documents their purchase. Look through them and check these details against the responses received from the questions you at 4.).

4. Talk to the owner (s) and ask the following questions. If you notice hesitation or build that can not be authentic to be very, very careful.
a) How long have you owned the car?
b) Do you know any history of the car before purchase?
c) To your knowledge, are the genuine miles or kilometers?
d) What repairs or work have you done to the car? Do you have receipts for the work?

Check the car's body

1. Look for rust. This is the main risk when buying used cars. If you are not sure how to do this with a qualified panel beater or rust repairer check it out. If you want to do same look for the telltale signs of bubbles under the paint or brown / orange in the following areas:
a) In the fender or bumper.
b) Approximately each door, especially under the door.
c) in the soil. Lift the mats and carpets, if possible and check carefully.
d) All of the windshield, where is the body.
e) All of the roof, especially in the sewers.

2. Search panel damage and / or repair. "The panels are equal? Is the paint color consistent in each? The whole car has been painted recently? If you have had a recent paint job, what does it cover? Oxide could be which covers repair or cheap labor panel.

3. Look under the car. Is it straight and clean? If it is very dirty and the floor is folded under so that could mean the car has had a hard life of normal roads. This could mean that extra stress on the direction and suspension components.

4. Look at the paint color. The most useful and best color for resale in general, is white. Darker colors may look good, but show the dirt more and more difficult to match if required minor panel repairs.

Check the motor.

1. If you are unsure how to do this, have a motor mechanic qualified service organization or road check it out. If you want to do it yourself, look in the following areas:
a) Does the car blow smoke up?
b) Is the engine very greasy and dirty? Does it seem too clean, just wash?
c) under the oil look like the oil filler cap is a mixture of milk, not black?
d) Is the radiator bubbles are formed in water when the engine is running?
e) Are the other levels of fluid low?
If any of these problems below, you may need some more expert help.

Check the gearbox.

1. Again, if you are unsure how to do this have a qualified motor mechanic or road service organization check it out. If you want to do it yourself, look in the following areas:

Automatic —
a) Is the oil level on the dipstick and clean right?
b) How to change gear when driving correctly?
c) Is the gearbox clean and shows no oil leaks?
d) Sounds good, when there is a guide or moan at certain speeds?
If you can not say yes to these questions, you may need expert help.

Manuals —
a) Is the gearbox clean and show no Oil leaks?
b) Sounds good, when there is a guide or moan at certain speeds?
c) Is the change smooth and silent art?
d) Does correctly the clutch, without shivering at takeoff?
If you can not say yes to these questions, you may need expert help.

Check Interior.

Look for these potential problems.
a) Always check the upholstery with seat covers – no matter how nice they look.
b) Look seat use belt.
c) Do all the gauges and controls are working properly?
d) Is the headliners in the right place, do not fall off or become loose?
e) To seek care, or has been neglected?

There are other components such as suspension, brakes, air conditioning and address, which can cost amounts significant money to repair or replace, but are usually treated by experts.

These are just a few basic checks you can do when looking buy a used car. Use your common sense. Note, as with any private purchase, Buyer Beware. If you think you are out of their depth in any of these major topics may be better to have the vehicle checked by an expert.

These are just some general tips and advice from my experiences in buying and selling cars over a long period of time. I'm passing them to you for help with their personal finances. You must be able to save money wherever possible.

To tips on how to negotiate when buying a used car from a private seller see my other article entitled "How to save real money when negotiating with a private seller for a used car.

About the Author

Bruce Hokin has designed a simple budget tool called “5 Steps to Freedom Personal Budget.” It based on his extensive background as a qualified, experienced accountant, manager, consultant and financial adviser. You can download this powerful budget assistant today and be on your way to financial freedom within the hour. It is available at his website www.freedom-personal-budgets.com.

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