Buy a Private Used Car: A How to Guide

If you're looking to buy a private used car, you may have the opportunity to get a great deal. A private seller may offer a car for a lower price than a large dealership or used car dealer. However, when buying from a private seller, you should take your time to make the proper decision to avoid future problems. To have the best chances of getting a great price on used cars for sale, follow these 5 simple steps.

1) Research Price

The first thing you should do is learn about the going market price for the car you are considering. Go to a trusted auto value calculating website such as Kelley Blue Book and input the information about the car. You'll have to input the make, model, color and year, as well as provide descriptions of its interior, exterior and functional conditions. When you know how much a car should be worth, you will have more ammunition to bargain for a great price.

2) Research Alternatives

Next, you should use the Internet and local newspapers and magazines to search for alternative vehicles. Use services such as CarsDirect or Vehix to locate additional vehicles that are similar to the one you are considering and compare their prices and features. When you let the seller know that you have viable alternatives, he or she may be more likely to cater to your pricing needs.

3) Be Knowledgeable, But Nice

A seller is usually more likely to sell a car for a good price to a nice person than a mean person. Thus, you should be courteous and respectful to the seller. Make him or her aware that you know what you're talking about, but remain calm and pleasant enough for the seller to like you. A likable buyer has more of a chance of getting a deal than one that is not likable.

4) Obtain History Report

To really know what type of condition a specific used car is in, you should utilize a car history report. Popular and respected services such as CarFax and AutoCheck will provide you with detailed histories of a car's ownership, usage and maintenance. You'll know if the car has been involved in accidents or if it has suffered from significant damage.

5) Test Drive

Finally, you should always test drive a car before you buy it. Take it out on the open road and see how it feels and performs. See if you feel comfortable while driving it and determine if the car performs the way you'd like it to. You'll never truly know how well a car will fit your driving preferences until you test it out for yourself.

Whenever a private party has used cars for sale, you should be ready to do the proper things to ensure that you'll be getting a good value for your money. Do your research, remain pleasant while bargaining, obtain a car history report, and take the vehicle for a test drive to have a great change of coming away satisfied from a used car purchase.