Useful Information

Part 1 ... Useful information when buying a car privately

There are a couple of benefits to buying a car privately. Firstly a private sale tends to be a bit cheaper than purchasing from a trader. This is because a trader needs to buy the vehicle first and then sell it for a profit. Also when buying privately you have the chance to speak to the present owner of the vehicle and ask questions directly.

Drawbacks are that you have less of a comeback if something goes awry. For example you will not be covered by the Sale of Goods Act. Some unscrupulous motor traders pretend to be private sellers and deny the buyer of any rights they might have.

So where do you begin?

Firstly try to get as much information as possible over the phone before you go to see the car your thinking of buying. Read their advert carefully and write down any information that is missing, for example mileage of the vehicle, is it taxed and does it have an mot? That way you can refer to your list and Ask questions like how long have they owned the vehicle? how many owners from new? Are the tyres in good condition? Does the car have a full service history? What condition the car is in and can you take the car for a test drive? Try to ask as many questions as possible, it could save you a lot of time and money especially if you have to travel a long way to view it.

Things to be wary of!

  • If the advert only gives a mobile phone number.
  • A specific time for you to call if its a land line. They could be waiting by a phone box for your call.
  • The same phone number appears in several different adverts.
  • If the present seller (registered keeper) has not had the vehicle for very long.

Viewing the car

Always view the car in daylight, its easy to miss things when the light is not so good. Arrange to view the car at the sellers home, that way you can check that the address matches the V5 (registration) document. Also try to take someone with you that has a good idea of what to look for. Its always good to have a second opinion and they might spot something that you missed.

Things to be wary of!

  • If the seller insists on meeting you away from their home address.

Checking the vehicle identification number ...part 2

Checking the outside ...part 3

Checking the interior ...part 4

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