What should you ask when you're buying a second hand car from a private person?

1. 69

   cindyvineposted 15 years ago

   What should you ask when you're buying a second hand car from a private person?

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2. 77

   LoryRichposted 15 years ago

   Buying a second hand car could be a wise option especially for budget conscious buyers. However,  it can also become quite difficult and tricky if the buyer does not ask the right questions. This hub hopes to offer useful tips when buying used cars from a private person. read more

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3. 41

   jamison1977posted 14 years ago

   the first thing is to ask wether the car is the second-hand ? ?D

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4. 67

   MikeNVposted 14 years ago

   Samarins.com offers some excellent advice.  Read there how to buy a used car guide.  It's free.
   
   And be sure to get a CarFax.  Do not buy a car with a rebuilt title as many of them may come from flood areas.

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5. 59

   Richard208posted 14 years ago

   Hi,
   Always ask for a carfax, receipts for any work performed (notice the receipt dates, cost etc.) Once you have test-driven the vehicle, park it and wait a few minutes then check underneath the vehicle for leaks, drips etc.

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6. 0

   reeltaulkposted 14 years ago

   have they maintained the vehicle as they should have, meaning oil change, spark plugs, transmission oil, etc.  If the miles are high, are they high way miles or city miles, any accidents?

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7. 81

   David R Bradleyposted 14 years ago

   Ask them if it's OK for you to take it to your mechanic and then look directly into their eyes.
   
   Then ask if there's been any accidents with this car and observe their behavior.
   
   Ask how they bought it.
   
   Ask if they would sell it to a family member and then follow that question up with "why?"
   
   Another good tip would be to go to a car dealership and get your own car appraised and watch how the salesman will appraise your car, see what kind of questions he ask you and how he values your car.  You'll get some good ideas on how to look at a car for sale privately.
   
   Then get the VIN number and  google it.  See if anything shows up.  Also get a Carfax report.

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8. 61

   kennethvposted 14 years ago

   I have reaed all the commits on this page and the answers are good! Take your time, even if it's the one car of your dreams. Being second had or used doesn't make it bad. But there's alot to work through.
   1} ask if it's ever been involved in an acident. However, if he bought it used he may not know. Verify it by pulling a carfax.
   2}Ask if you can take it to your mechanic and have it checked out.
   3}Make sure the title is a good title,look at it carefully.Many cars that have been paid off by insurance companys do to hurricanes,floods etc.are being sold.
   4} Check Kelly Blue book,Edmoundson,NADA for the value of the car. Deduct mileage, any repair work needed,then your have a better figure to go on to bargain with.
   5) Also take in to account the type of vehicle, if it's a big SUV or pick-up and drinks alot of gas. Well the price of gas just goes up, causing the value of this type of vehicle to decrease some.
   6) Check some of the reviews on line to see if any problems in that year has turned up. Some manufactures have had years where the transmissions were week.
   7} You decide over all is this the car I could drive for the next 2 or 3 years. Does it have all the assecories I need,such as leather,satelite radio and etc.It's your new car, you have to be comfortable with it.

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9. 52

   Griffin101posted 12 years ago

   
   
   I ask him to give details for car model and number plates.
   
   ask if it's ever been involved in an acident. However, if he bought it used he may not know.
   
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