An Essential Guide to Buying a Used Car from a Private Owner

If you need to be on the road but have a limited budget, you'll want the car you buy to be the best value for money. Buying from a private owner may mean a better deal but only if you choose wisely. This guide will help you do just that.

Conduct Thorough Research

Before you look for a car, you'll want a good idea of which car suits your needs. You can find lots of reviews and price guides online to help you narrow down your search. Once you know what you're looking for, you can start browsing the used cars for sale in your area that match your criteria. Choose the cars you want to see and read on.

Ask Questions

Before you view a car, contact the seller to ask questions. This will save you time seeing unsuitable vehicles. You'll want to know how long the owner has had the car and why they're selling it. Ask about the condition of the car and whether it's ever been damaged or been in an accident. You also want to know if the car will meet an RWC (safety certificate).

View the Car

When you buy from a private seller, arrange to meet them at their home to look at the car. Check that the address you go to is the same address as the one on the registration certificate. Make sure the mileage is the same as advertised.

Check the Car's History

When deciding on your budget, factor in the small cost of checking cars on your state's online database. For some states, this may be a free service. This search will allow you to check that a used car isn't stolen, doesn't have an outstanding loan attached to it and hasn't been written, off, amongst other things. You'll need to take a copy of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) from the car's engine.

Inspect the Car

Inspecting a car is easier if you take a mechanic with you. If this isn't possible, then follow this checklist.

• Always look at the car in full daylight, checking for rust, dents, body marks and other defects. Look under the bonnet and the interior carpets for signs of rust and any welding marks, which suggest significant repairs have taken place.

• While looking under the hood, check for potential oil leaks on and around the engine. Use the dipstick to check the oil level. This helps you determine whether the owner has maintained the car properly.

• Check the oil filler cap -- you're looking for any white paste-like substance, which is an indication of head gasket damage.  

• Ensure the tyres are in good condition with plenty of tread.

• Get down flat directly in front of the car to check that the front wheels are aligned with the back. Unaligned wheels may be a result of a twisted chassis following a crash.

• Ensure gaps between the body panel are equal. Again, poorly fitted panels can be an indicator of a vehicle being repaired following an accident.

• Internally you want to check the seat belts work and the steering and dashboard are attached correctly. You'll also want to check that the chairs adjust as they should.

Test Drive the Car

When you test-drive the vehicle, you'll be looking for any potential faults. Here's a checklist to help.

• Start the car from cold and make sure it starts properly without too much smoke.

• Turn the steering wheel from one lock to the other before you drive off.

• Listen for any screeching, banging, or knocking.

• Test the handbrake by applying it then gently trying to pull away; the handbrake should hold the car back.

• Don't turn the radio on, as you'll want to listen for any strange noises that may come from the engine as you're driving.

• Check all the gears and make sure the gear change is smooth.

• Make sure the clutch bites in the right place, between the top and middle of the clutch pedal.

• Try to test drive on as many road surfaces as possible to check how the car handles on each.

For more information, contact companies like Glenn's Quality Cars.