How Do You Buy A Used Car From A Private Owner?
Another used car article? Yes, but here I’m telling you how to buy one from a private owner. Buying from an owner can be significantly cheaper, but riskier. Here’s how to minimize these risks. Find a car that you like at a good price. Obvious, but once you succeed this stage you can continue on to my Three Steps To Testing A Car. Check vehicle history. Ask the owner for the VIN: if he doesn’t give it to you there is something major wrong with this car. Pay attention to number of previous owners, and if the mileage is mainly local or highway. Check the vehicle in person. Look for thick black sludge inside exhaust pipe, which is a bad sign. See if the engine bay visibly shakes while idling, which is another bad sign. Check the engine oil and transmission fluid, tire treads, and any other fluid. All this information tells you masses about how this owner treats his car. If the car seems good and the owner seems honest, get a second opinion from a mechanic that you trust. If he approves, th
