Buying a used car privately
There are several really important things you should really consider when buying a car from a used seller. Shopping around is an essential part of the process in order to get the best deal, however you need to ensure that you’ve got the car that suits you and your requirements.
When you’ve got an idea of the type of car you like then try looking at visiting some used car dealerships, you can find some local to you on the DesperateSeller.co.uk website. When you get there make sure you have a good look around at what’s available and what type of car you can get within your budget. Try and keep an open mind to all options so look at space, build quality and practicality. Ask yourself, does this car really suit my needs? You also need to consider running costs such as tax and insurance. If you find a car that ticks all the boxes then it’s really just a case of trying to get that car at a price under your budget.
Once you’ve got your mind settled on a car then log on to DesperateSeller.co.uk to get an idea of what that car is really worth. DesperateSeller.co.uk has a free car valuation tool that lets you find out the market valuation of any car. Enter the details of the car you like and we will provide you with its real market value. Getting a valuation will put the bargaining power firmly in your hands. In addition to finding out the real market value of a car it’s also worth taking a look at some car forums and review websites to find common faults and potential repair bills.
When you find a car you’re interested in viewing then make sure you meet at the registered address stated on the V5 document. Decline any suggestion to meet at places such as petrol stations or roadside laybys. If the seller insists on meeting at places like these then alarms bells should start ringing as these are prime locations for scammers selling cloned or stolen cars. Also, if the seller’s name does not match the one stated on the V5 document then walk away. Always trust your instinct, if somethings too good to be true then it usually is!
Checking over a car thoroughly is one of the most important things you should do before any money is exchanged. Not only will this give you peace of mind that the car is not stolen or written off but if there are any scratches or imperfections then this gives you greater leverage when negotiating on price. Always check that the car’s VIN number matches the one on the V5 document and that it doesn’t look tampered with. You should always check the car’s service history as this will give you a good indication as to whether it has been looked after properly.
It’s a common mistake to fall in love with the first car you see. If you do then you don’t really have any other cars to compare it with. Even if the seller says there has been interest from other buyers, don’t feel pressurised into buying it. It’s important to remember that with cars it’s always a buyer’s market so you can be assured that there are plenty of other examples available for sale.
If you’ve decided to go ahead and buy a car you’ve seen then the first thing you should consider is getting a history check done on the car. You can do this through the DesperateSeller.co.uk website. By doing this you can discover that there is no outstanding finance or logbook loans on the car. If you don’t do this then you will be liable for any outstanding debt – and you don’t want that!
If the car comes back clear then you’ll need to find out if the car is mechanically sound. The easiest way to do this is to get in touch with a Breakdown provider such as RAC or the AA. For a small fee you can get them to come and take a look at the car and check the car over. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees when buying a used car. Used cars are called “used cars” because that’s exactly what they are, however any obvious fault should be picked up by an expert.
When it comes to negotiating on price then don’t be afraid to start at a low figure. It’s worth bearing in mind that most cars are advertised at a prices that are slightly inflated in order to leave room for negotiation. This is where your research on the market value for the car will really come in handy. Remember that any scratches or general wear and tear that you may have discovered while looking over the car gives you good grounds for knocking the seller down on price.
Once the price has been agreed then you need to start thinking about safe payment. It’s important to use a traceable payment method. Do not pay by cash, a bankers draft or bank transfer are the most secure ways of paying.
Happy buying!
