buying a car privately

[Connemmara]

Anybody help here - I saw a car to my liking yesterday on gumtree site and it was a couple elderly people selling it privately. they said both of them had retired and were only using one car so therefore wanted to sell the second car

I have never bought a car privately before it has always been from a dealership.

Can you give me tips to look out for and/or do and can I ask for a receipt and guarantee - basically what shall I do?

[sara3]

you'll not get any guarantee buying privately. if you're considering spending a lot of money get a full check (inc HPI??) from the AA or RAC. I'm sure others do them, too.

[ChuckFickens]

You do exactly the same as you would if you were buying from a dealer.

Check the car over thoroughly, if you don't know what to look for take somebody that does or pay for an RAC or AA check. Get an HPI check done on the car. take it for a test drive and make sure everything sounds and feels OK. Ask to see the service history, log book and any old paperwork they have that relates to anything on the car.

You get a receipt, you don't get a guarantee from a private sale, private sales are generally done on a "caveat emptor" basis (let the buyer beware) which means that if you buy a turkey it's your fault for not checking it out properly.

[woofgang]

get it checked out for ccjs etc, You won't get a guarantee but should pay less accordingly. You can get the AA to do a mechanical check for you...of course this and the registration (ccj) check will add to your costs. Yes get a receipt for what you pay, you might also state on the receipt that the car is in good running order but if its a retired couple without much money your recourse if it falls to pieces will be zip. Ask to see the service history (stamped book) and receipts for any large items, (engine, gearbox etc)
That's my lot, I am sure that other folk will have stuff to add

[woofgang]

morning all!

[Connemmara]

thanks for your answers everybody. The only thing that put me off - I rang them and told them I would be at their home in 15-20 mins (and they agreed) which I was but they were running the engine as they said a viewer the day before had left the keys in the ignition and run down the battery so they were duly concerned that I saw it (I truly believe them) but it has naturally put a bit of doubt in my mind.

[TTG]

Take it for an hours test drive. Most problems will show up then. Check the service history...walk away if it's not up to date. Check the log book matches the owners name and address. Check the vin number matches what is in the service book and log book. Have a look see if the milage matches wear and tear inside the car. Look underneath the car for any leaks before and after test drive.If it's only a few hundred you are spending and everything checks out, you might have a bargain.

[Hopkirk]

I suspect the battery is shot then, but that is easy to replace.

Certainly get someone who knows to check the car over, or pay for a full RAC / AA check.

[Connemmara]

no TTG it is nearly 6,000 they are looking for altho I probably would get the car for 5,500 so it is big money I am afraid.

[Jemisa]

How much!!?

Noo Noo, handing out that sort of cash & no guarantee, and from what you said I hear alarm bells. go to a dealer. Not a roadside one either.

jem

[Connemmara]

thanks when I get my compo from stolen car I will go back to original dealer - I liked him and I had to go back to him a cuppla times for minor things and it was no problem to him. Buying private too dangerous and as I say it is too big a money for private. But thanks anyway folks.

[woofgang]

good idea, if I was lashing out that much i would expect a guarantee!