Buying from a private seller. Is there more I can do?

saker75

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy from a private seller. I'm generally risk averse so I'm slightly paranoid about this.

I've:
Done a Car Vertical check - everything is fine
Done a Vehicle Score check - rates the car as "outstanding" (but I think this is all meaningless)
Driven the car and it sounds and feels good.
Been to the sellers house.
Checked MOT history and paperwork
Identified possible third party warranties

Next:
I'm planning to get an AA pre-purchase inspection. Seller absolutely fine with that.

Is there anything more I should be doing? 

Thanks

S

WellKnownSid

Context is everything.  Model, age, mileage and price bracket would be helpful.

If it's a £400 Fiesta then it's overly cautious.  If it's an £80,000 Range Rover then I would possibly go as far as holding the seller's family hostage for at least 72 hours...

saker75

Its a £8k 2017 Mazda. 

CliveOfIndia

Do an HPI check to make sure there's no outstanding finance, it's not a repaired insurance write-off, etc.

An AA/RAC inspection is a good idea.  They're not foolproof, but they will hopefully pick up any major/intermediate issues that you don't notice.

When you test drive it, make sure you test everything.  Rear window heater, electric windows, air-con, heater, radio, any electrical gizmos it may have.  Yes a mechanical check is very important, but it's the little (perhaps no-so-vital) things that can spoil your day.

Check the service history.  Doesn't really matter if it's been done at a main dealer or not, as long as it's been done by someone competent.

Oh, check when the cambelt is due to be changed (if it has a belt, rather than a chain).  Make sure it's been changed if/when it was scheduled to be.  If it's due to be changed soon, bear that in mind and make sure you do it (you might be able to negotiate a few quid off on the basis of that).  Ask a local mechanic how much it would be to change it, so that you'll what to expect (it's pretty much a fixed-price, known, service item).

Most importantly, remember that as it's a private sale, you have pretty much no come-back whatsoever (unless the seller has deliberately lied about something, and even that can be hard to prove).  The moment you drive it away, any problems become your problem.

I've bought privately many times over the years, and as long as you do your homework then you can get some bargains.  Yes, you'll hear some horror stories, but there are still plenty of honest sellers out there.

Grumpy_chap

CliveOfIndia said:

Do an HPI check to make sure there's no outstanding finance, it's not a repaired insurance write-off, etc.

Be sure to put in the full details with regard to the HPI check so that their "insurance" cover is valid in the event of a discrepancy later being uncovered.
There was a thread recently where someone had the HPI check, but did not enter the VIN (I think) so when the mileage discrepancy came to light, the HPI protection was not available to claim against.

saker75

Thanks, this is all very helpful.

fred990

Phone Mazda and ask them if they ever saw the car for service. If they did everything during the warranty period then it might have been well looked after. 
If it has a sketchy/non history afterwards walk away. 

chrisw

Meet the seller at their house and try to ensure they do actually live there, perhaps by going in to sign the paperwork. 

Try and get an impression of the seller and why they are selling, does it look as though they are good at maintenance? Are they selling because they replace their car every 3 years and are after a better price than WBAC or trade in, or could it be because a major fault has been discovered? Do they have a couple of cars for sale and could be a trader posing as a private seller?