How do I buy a used car from a private seller?
Before you meet
Ask the seller for the VIN, the mileage, and the reason for selling, then compare those details with the listing. Run a history report and search for recalls. Agree on a meeting spot that is public and well lit, and bring a friend if you can.
Ask whether the seller has the title in hand. If the title is not in their name, or they are unsure about their paperwork, pass on the car.
- Get the VIN and mileage in advance
- Run a history report
- Check recalls for the model
- Confirm the seller holds the title
At the sale
Inspect the car in daylight, test drive it on roads you normally use, and listen for noises during braking and turning. Take a look at the title, compare the VIN on the car and the paperwork, and check that the odometer reading matches the listing.
Sign only the documents you fully understand. Your state or country will have its own bill of sale and title transfer steps, so confirm the exact forms before the money changes hands.
Common mistakes
- Buying from a seller who does not have the title in their name.
- Skipping the test drive because the price seems fair.
- Paying cash with no written receipt or bill of sale.
