Buying from private sellers

AdrianC

onwards&upwards wrote: »

Thank you very much!

I will have to get on YouTube to learn some basics I think. I wouldn’t know where the radiator cap was without a map!

So, umm, how do you do your regular basic maintenance, like fluid level checks...?

Do you have the owners' handbook for your car?

facade

onwards&upwards wrote: »

Thank you very much!

I will have to get on YouTube to learn some basics I think. I wouldn’t know where the radiator cap was without a map!

Don't take it off AFTER a test drive, scalding hot water will spray all over you. :eek:

onwards&upwards

:rotfl: Thanks definitely a good tip!

Nobbie1967

Most private sellers are decent people who just want to get a bit more for the car than WBAC or a trader will offer. There is obviously more potential risk buying privately as you have little consumer protection, but you can reduce the risks substantially by following a lot of the advice above.

You can reduce the risks by passing on any cars where something doesn't seem right. Check all the info available and ensure it all lines up. No V5? Walk away, there might be a genuine reason, but why risk it. They're selling for a relative, again walk away.

Research and go ready to buy the car. If the owner knows you are serious, they will allow you plenty of time to check the car over and even take it to a garage for a once over.

I find just chatting to the owner reveals a lot about the car as most genuine sellers are happy to chat away. If they're reluctant to engage, then I'd be wary.

You can easily miss many good deals with this approach, but there are enough cars out there to narrow your search down to the lowest risk options.

onwards&upwards

Nobbie1967 wrote: »

Most private sellers are decent people who just want to get a bit more for the car than WBAC or a trader will offer. There is obviously more potential risk buying privately as you have little consumer protection, but you can reduce the risks substantially by following a lot of the advice above.

You can reduce the risks by passing on any cars where something doesn't seem right. Check all the info available and ensure it all lines up. No V5? Walk away, there might be a genuine reason, but why risk it. They're selling for a relative, again walk away.

Research and go ready to buy the car. If the owner knows you are serious, they will allow you plenty of time to check the car over and even take it to a garage for a once over.

I find just chatting to the owner reveals a lot about the car as most genuine sellers are happy to chat away. If they're reluctant to engage, then I'd be wary.

You can easily miss many good deals with this approach, but there are enough cars out there to narrow your search down to the lowest risk options.

Thanks, that’s really helpful. I have a bit of time to prep and up my knowledge a bit about cars. I can definitely chat for England though so glad it’s useful!

alembicbassman

Many main dealers offer a vehicle health check service, this isn't an MOT but does check some items not on an MOT. It costs about £50 and you would obviously need approval from the seller. It's not as thorough as a mechanical inspection but will at least spot obvious faults. My brother had one done on a used Mini he bought by the local Mini main dealer.