How to Buy a Used Car from a Private Seller | My Advice when Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car from a private seller can be one of the best ways to save money but it comes with risks. I’ll give my advice on how to buy a used car from a private seller to help you navigate the process!

0:00 - Intro and Used Car Fact!

The biggest risk when buying a used car from a private seller is you don’t know if the person treated the car well or if the person is trying to sell it because of an issue with the used car.

It's kind of a risk reward situation when buying a used car. Sure I can save money but is it worth the car breaking down?

A good portion of my family has an automotive background ranging from being a car technician to vehicle inspector. So, a lot of these tips on how to buy a used car from a private seller come with a great deal of credibility from them.

Fast fact of the day: About 75% of cars sold, are used vehicles

If you found that fact interesting, please hit that like button, but let's get into these tips on buying a used car.

1:06 - Getting a VIN check/Carfax
Every used car has a number called a VIN number that basically identifies the car and is unique to just that car and tells the ownership history, if its been in accidents and basically the history of the vehicle.

These reports can range from $30 to $50 depending on how many you get but it's well worth it. If I know that the ownership of the used car has changed hands a few times, then chances are the current owner doesn’t know EVERYTHING about the used car I’m about to buy.

He could have maintained the car very well but the previous owner may not have.

Now the advice I always go with is if you’re going to buy a used car from a private seller, is it is best to buy a car that only has one owner, which is the person you’re buying from.

These reports will tell you if the car has been in any major accident or not. Sometimes find a good deal on a car that’s been in a major accident, but unless you’re really into cars I would generally recommend just getting a car that hasn’t been in one.

Now super important disclaimer when it comes to using the vin number and any carfax. It will not tell you everything about the car. For example, if I run into a curb and have to replace a part of my car, I could replace it myself without reporting anything. Or, I could just not even replace it. Which means, just because a car doesn’t have a listed accident doesn't mean it hasn’t been in one.

2:54 - Ask A LOT of Questions
You’d be surprised how much someone may be willing to tell you simply by asking them.
Here’s a list of good questions to ask when buying a used car from a private seller

What is the status of the title?
Why are you selling?
How was the car maintained?
Do you have the maintenance records?
How many miles a day or week are you driving this car?
Does the car have a spare tire and jack?
Do you mind if I take the car in for a mechanical inspection?
What features don’t work the way they’re supposed to?

And, if the person gets upset, be polite, walk away from the deal. There's always another car to buy out there.

5:24 - Do a thorough Test Drive

Once again, this may seem obvious when answering how to buy a used car from a private seller, but people don’t test drive the car long enough!

And not just that, but test drive the car in a variety of settings. Take it in a parking lot, drive on a highway and then back to a low speed. Sometimes issues with used cars don’t appear right away. For example, a used car can work just fine at low speeds in a parking lot. But, you take that same car on a highway to high speeds and back down to low speeds, it may stall or show some problem that wasn’t there before.

Take your time and try to put the amount of money you’re spending into the time it takes to earn it. It probably takes a while to earn enough to buy a $5k used car, yet you only spend less than an half an hour looking into the car. That doesn’t seem like it would be wise to do when buying a used car.

7:16 - Inspect The Used Car

Now this can either be done yourself or you can take it to a mechanic.If you don’t know much about cars, maybe you know someone who does, you can ask them to come along and you can pay them. But, you may not have that as an option so you have to pay a bit more an actual mechanic or car technician can take a look.

Look for things like changes in the paint color or if something looks new. For example, if the car door is a slightly different red than the rest of the car, the door may have been replaced or repainted.

12:29 - Take Your Time
There are always more used cars to buy out there. Don't rush the process when buying a used car.

Hopefully you found these tips useful on how to buy a used car from a private seller. If you have any questions on the use car buying process, feel free to comment down below.

Congrats on making it to the end. You win I guess!

[financiallift]

If you want to help me out, I'd GREATLY appreciate if you consider hitting that subscribe button, almost to 1K!!! Thank you so much everyone!

[romangrigorii]

tips:
1) run a vin check/carfax
2) ask questions (in description)
3) test drive in a variety of conditions
4) inspect the vehicle
5) take your time
still watch the video though, very through insight.

[brandon-built]

unfortunately the same risks exist buying used cars from some dealers, nice tips!

[BusinessBasics]

I tell my students all the time that at a young age, new cars are some of the worst investments you can purchase because they depreciate so quickly. Once you drive it off the lot, you lose a lot of value. Inspections and test drives are crucial (car fax as well). Another interesting video. Thank you!

[growing]

1:28 VIN Check, CarFax, know previous ownerships
2:17 Clean & Clear Title
3:06 Ask a lot of questions
3:45
4:50 Dishonest
5:29 Thoroughly Test Drive
6:45 Think about Time & Saving
7:30 Thoroughly Inspect Car, Mechanic
8:37 Visually Inspect everything
9:17 Hood car, leaks, pipes
10:13 Use problems as leverage low offers
10:48 Have an OBD Scan tool
11:53 Check interior of car if they cared
12:12 Water stain line flooded
12:31 Take your time, no rush

[RachelGrayM]

My dad is a G at buying used cars and I grew up thinking that was the only way to do things lol I can’t comprehend buying a new car. My car currently- used from a private seller. Great tips. He for sure would agree with all of these.

[gqtv]

Thanks bro you dropped a LOT of jewels in this video 💯. Appreciate it 🙏🏾✌🏾

[JessieOpportunityCostInvesting]

I've only ever bought used from a dealer because i want enough. This video definitely helps open my options. Thanks for sharing!

[StanWithaPlan]

Great explanation mate! I just actually bought a car from a dealership but the tips you shared are very valid regardless :D

[topacio]

This is such a great resource. Thank you so much! I am in a stick situation with my carlessness and you have helped so much.

[peterjewelersllc]

Excellent advice thank you very much for sharing your knowledge I really appreciate it. Please continue to do so I really need your expertise.

[ChrisTopher-vszz]

GREAT TIPS! i took a lot of notes as i am looking to buy a used minivan .... THANK YOU!

[SwittyKiwi]

Great tips here. It's true that many factors come into play, when you buy a car. For us, the most important thing is trust: whether you buy from a friend or from a dealership. Then you still need to do the regular 'work' (Carfax, etc.) Thanks for sharing. - ✨ *Your Awesome Friends at The S'witty Kiwi Show* 🧡

[carisacarlton]

Thank you so much! I did not know about OBD devices. Just bought one and looking forward to using it.

[kinGsaL]

Wow this guy is good.
Best advice Ive heard yet

[DemetriPanici]

I need to eventually do this once I'm done with public transit. Great video bro!

[anthony.tai.]

This was a very informative video my bro! Ill definitely come back to this vid before i buy my next car 😁

[danh]

The few times I've spent decent money on a car, I take my time with it. Most of the cars I buy are insanely cheap so I take the chance. Quick spin around the block and make the trade. Best car I ever bought, I got it for 250 bucks and it needed the front end rebuilt.
Overall, I'm about 50/50 with that.

[GrowingFinancially]

Great information, A lot of great tips, in the UK the cars have to get a yearly test called an MOT, and is a great way to find out information about second-hand cars. 😀

[MovewithJenn]

I like the idea of asking questions and not being afraid to ask questions - especially by having them see you as a person so you can understand any issues that you get into. I really like the way you do your descriptions! They have so much value (same as the video). It's a great way when let's say I was going to buy a car that I could refer to the description to see those questions. These are great tips! I really like the way you talk about these topics. You really add a more people feel to it so if feels like a friend is giving me this advice. It really feels like a fireside chat.