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Private Used Car Sales -
Buyer Beware
An alternative to buying from a licensed dealer is
buying from an individual. You may see ads in
newspapers, on bulletin boards, or on a car.
Buying a car from a private party is very different from
buying a car from a dealer.
-
Private sellers
generally are not covered by the Used Car Rule and
don't have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you can
use
the Guide's list
of an auto's major systems as a shopping tool. You
also can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle
inspected by your mechanic.
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Private sales usually
are not covered by the "implied warranties" of state
law. That means a private sale probably will be on
an "as is" basis, unless your purchase agreement
with the seller specifically states otherwise. If
you have a written contract, the seller must live up
to the promises stated in the contract. The car also
may be covered by a manufacturer's warranty or a
separately purchased service contract. However,
warranties and service contracts may not be
transferable, and other limits or costs may apply.
Before you buy the car, ask to review its warranty
or service contract.
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Many states do not
require individuals to ensure that their vehicles
will pass state inspection or carry a minimum
warranty before they offer them for sale. Ask your
state Attorney General's office or
local consumer protection agency
about the
requirements in your state.
Before You Buy A Used Car
Whether you buy a used car from a dealer, a co-worker,
or a neighbor, follow these tips to learn as much as you
can about the car:
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Examine the car yourself
using an inspection checklist. You can find a
checklist in many of the magazine articles, books
and Internet sites that deal with buying a used car.
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Test drive the car under
varied road conditions—on hills, highways, and in
stop-and-go traffic.
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Ask for the car's
maintenance record. If the owner doesn't have
copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where
most of the work was done. They may share their
files with you.
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Talk to the previous
owner, especially if the present owner is unfamiliar
with the car's history.
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Have the car inspected
by a mechanic you hire.
Check out these other used car topics:
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