7 tips you should follow before buying a cheap used car from an owner

Purchasing used cars from a private owners does, without the shadow of a doubt, involve a certain amount of risk. To be safe, buyers should follow a few simple steps before putting down their cash for a potential lemon.

1 - Checking Cars

When looking at any used car, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect it. If the buyer knows nothing about cars, they should take someone who does have some understanding of cars along - relatives or friends may well be able to help. A test drive will reveal potential faults – make sure the transmission is smooth, and faulty tracking will cause a car to pull to one side when braking.

2 - Repairs

If something is faulty or damaged, it may be possible to get the owner to repair it before buying the vehicle. This must be negotiated and done before the vehicle is bought to ensure the owner does not go back on his/ her word. He/ she should then be asked to provide a receipt to prove the repair was really carried out. If they refuse, it is safer to go and look elsewhere.

3 - Appearance

A dirty car is not necessarily a bad car - the owner might just not have got around to cleaning it. In the same way, a shiny, clean car may look this way to take the buyer's mind off potential faults. This is why step one is so important and should not be missed out on under any circumstances just because a vehicle looks nice. A little dirt won't hurt, a faulty break could kill someone.

4 - History

It is crucial to enquire about the car's history. The more can be found out, the better. If the owner is vague or doesn't want to talk about it, caution is advised. The car may have been in a serious accident, or may not even be the seller's to offer for sale. It may still be subject to loan payments or it could even be stolen, either of which could eventually lead to losing the car.

5 - Checking Documents

Naturally, it is important to see the registration document, log book, maintenance schedules, and so on. If a seller is not willing or able to produce these documents, something fishy may be going on and it is best to try and get a car from somewhere else. Under no circumstances should a sale be agreed on and a vehicle paid for without a registration document.

6 - Research

Before going to look at a car, it often pays to look up what cars like the one in question are selling for in other places. There are plenty of websites advertising used cars, both from dealers and private sellers. Knowing the range of prices a car is selling at elsewhere will help to decide whether the car in question really is worth its asking price and will help in negotiations.

7 - Negotiating

Even if an owner has stated their price, it is best to ask about the price when speaking to them face to face. It is surprising how many sellers will initially ask for more simply because they expect buyers to haggle, giving them a chance to drop the price if necessary without losing too much. In any case, sellers are often willing to drop their price if it means they get the sale.

In the end buyers should always trust their instincts - if it feels wrong, don't do it, and it is better not to be rushed into a decision - sleep on it.