Question:

What Shouldn't I Do When Buying a Used Car from an Individual?

Buying a Used Car from an Owner: What Not to Do

An auto for sale by owner is often a great deal. You can improve your chances of a great used car buying experience by following these tips.

Don't Buy Without a Vehicle History Report

  • No matter what the private seller says, it is up to you to do some research. A vehicle history report will tell you if:
    • The car has been flooded – even if it looks and drives perfectly now, you may be in for some very hefty repair bills later.
    • The car has been in a major accident – again you could just be buying a big headache.

Don't Buy Without Having the Car Inspected by a Qualified Mechanic

  • Private used car sellers usually offer the car as is. After the sale, any problems that may come up are usually all yours. Let a mechanic find any problems before you buy so you can make the most informed decision.

Don't Let Your Heart Rule Your Head

  • The old saying, haste makes waste applies to used car sales, too. You don't have to buy the car the minute you see it. Take a moment to think if this is really the best choice. What are the downsides of this decision? How will you feel about this decision a year from now?

Used Car Frequently Asked Questions

Should I search for a used car online?

Should I buy a hybrid used car?

How can I pay for my used vehicle?

Are vehicle title searches important?

Does my 1982 Escort need a new engine?

Should I have a User's Manual for my used Ford?

When should I check my used car's oil?

What do VIN numbers mean?

How should I buy replacement parts for my Chevy?

What's a good "guy" car?

Where can I find a manual for a used Chevy?

Should I buy a truck or an SUV?

What is a good used minivan?

What's a good road trip vehicle?

How often shoud I check the brake system on my older model used car?

Are 100k miles on a used truck too much?

What is a CPO vehicle?

Are salvage yard parts reliable?

How Can I Avoid Used Car Fraud?

How Can Buyers Avoid Auto Dealer Scams?

What Are Some Common Auto Scams?

How Can I Avoid Car Buying Scams?

What Are Some Ways to Avoid Used Fraud?

What Should I look for To Avoid Car Dealer Scams?

How Can You Avoid Used Car Scams?

Will buying a used car save me money?

What's a good car for my teenager?

Why can't I make a copy of my used car's ignition key?

Do hybrid cars last as long as regular gasoline engine cars?

When should I have my mechanic inspect a used car I want to buy?

how much can I afford to spend on a used car?

Should I buy a used Nissan Maxima?

How often should the brake pads on my Nissan need to be replaced?

What is an "all-aluminum" engine?

How do I clean grease off my upholstery?

What's a good used SUV to purchase?

What is the correct usage of a child car seat?

Why won't my Toyota Camry start?

Are used hybrid cars less powerful?

Why does my four-cylinder used car vibrate at a stop light?

What should my mechanic look for when inspecting a used Toyota 4-Runner?

What is AWD?

How Can I Prepare to Buy a Used Car from an Owner

Should I Negotiate When Buying a Used Car from an Individual?

What are the Disadvantages of Buying a Used Car from an Owner?

What Should I look for When Test Driving a Used Car?

How to Avoid Being Scammed When Buying a Used Car From an Owner

What Shouldn't I Do When Buying a Used Car from an Individual?

What Should I Ask When Buying a Used Car from an Owner?

What Should I Know About Selling a Used Car?

How Should I Prepare to Sell My Car?

How Can I Sell My Car?

What Are My Responsibilities When Selling a Car

What Can I Do if My Used Car Won't Sell?

What Are the Advantages of Selling a Car as an Individual?

What Are Some of the Pitfalls of Selling a Car?

How Can I Get the Best Deal When Purchasing a Used Car from an Individual?

How Can I Maximize Used Car Trade in Values

How to Sell Your Used Car.

How Can I Get the Best Deal for My Used Car?

What Should I Know About Buying a Used Car

Why Buy a Used Car?

What Should I Look for When Inspecting a Used Car?

How Do a Resolve Problems with my Online Used Car Purchase?

How Can I Search for and Buy a Used Car Online?

How Can the Internet Help Me Find a Used Car?

What Should I Look for in Used Car Classified Ads?

What Makes for Good Used Car Advertising?





Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Used Car Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Christina Chan