A used car from a private seller can be good value, but you are on your own: there is no dealer warranty and no one checking the car for you. Most bad purchases come from rushing. This checklist slows the process down in the places that matter.
Before you go and see it
Read the whole ad and compare it with similar cars for sale. A price far below the rest of the market is a reason for caution, not excitement.
- Ask for the registration number, the model year, the mileage and the number of previous owners.
- Ask why the seller is selling, and whether the car has been in an accident or had major repairs.
- Ask for clear photos of the engine bay, the interior, the odometer and the tyres if the ad does not show them.
- Check that the seller’s details are consistent: name, phone number and the town in the ad.
What to check in person
See the car in daylight, when it is dry, and with the engine cold. A warm engine can hide starting problems.
- Walk around the body looking for mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and rust, especially near wheel arches and door sills.
- Check the tyres for even wear. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems.
- Look under the bonnet for leaks, damp patches and a milky or very dark oil cap.
- Check every window, light, mirror, air conditioner and seat adjustment.
- Compare the mileage on the odometer with the general wear of the pedals, steering wheel and driver’s seat.
The test drive
Drive on a mix of roads and listen. Brake firmly once when it is safe to do so. The car should go straight and stop straight, with no pulling, grinding or vibration. Make sure the gearbox changes smoothly and the clutch bites at a sensible point.
Paperwork
The seller must be the registered owner, or must have clear written authority from them. Check that the registration documents match the car’s identification numbers, and that there are no outstanding loans or fines against it. Rules for transferring ownership differ from country to country, so check the process with your local vehicle authority before you hand over money.
Paying
Do not pay a deposit to someone you have not met, and do not pay for a car you have not seen. Complete the payment when you are doing the paperwork, ideally by a traceable method such as a bank transfer, and keep a signed receipt that names the car, the price and both parties.
Get a second opinion
For anything more than a very cheap car, paying a trusted mechanic to inspect it is usually worth the cost. A seller who refuses an independent inspection is telling you something.