There are several steps that should be taken when searching for a privately sold car. But buying directly from another individual has its advantages and disadvantages. Having this in place will allow you to be ready to make an offer on a vehicle as soon as you find the right one.
When you see the vehicle in person, first do a thorough examination of the exterior, interior, and mechanicals. It allows a buyer the opportunity to significantly expand their search options beyond dealerships to potentially find their ideal vehicle for a lower price.
Private sellers are often motivated to sell at lower prices for personal reasons such as relocation or the need for cash
On the exterior, check for rust, body damage, and worn tire tread. And from a convenience standpoint, a dealership typically handles the sometimes-complicated process of transferring title through the DMV. After you and the seller agree on a price and the sale is completed, you’ll need to transfer the title into the new owner’s name. Then turn the vehicle on and make sure the climate system, seatbelts, locks, wipers, and technology features such as infotainment and navigation are all operable.
When buying from a private seller, there is less accountability if the vehicle were to experience mechanical problems after the sale. Also, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), obtain a vehicle history report to make sure the vehicle hasn’t been in an accident, flood, or other calamity. There are several considerations when purchasing a car from a private seller.
If you are interested in the vehicle after the test drive, it may be a good idea to have a mechanic do a more thorough inspection. In most cases, you will need the existing title, a bill of sale, proof of insurance, and possibly a smog/safety inspection certificate. There are many online resources to help narrow the field and find the right make and model that best suits your needs. The main reason to buy a vehicle from a private seller over a dealership is affordability.
On the other hand, purchasing from a private seller assumes certain risks that some buyers are not comfortable with
Test driving the vehicle will allow you to get a feel for the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension. Once you have an idea of how much your vehicle of choice costs, contact your lending institution to set up financing. The cost of a private vehicle is usually going to be lower because an individual seller typically does not have the same burden as a dealership to turn a profit on a sale. Since dealerships are legitimate businesses, they are generally under a more formal obligation than a private seller to deliver a quality product.
Now it is time for you to start looking at vehicle listings for sale. Contact your state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV) to learn the exact requirements to register the vehicle. In addition, many dealerships can offer warranties which private sellers typically cannot. Inside, look at the overall condition of both the upholstery and the hard surfaces. This starts with setting a budget and doing general research on the kind of vehicle you want, including current values.
Once the mechanic and 
the vehicle history report provider give the car a clean bill of health, feel free to make a fair offer on the vehicle. This is also the time to test out any driving systems such as cruise control or blind-spot warning. Geography may also play a factor depending on whether you want to stay local for your vehicle hunt or conduct a wider search.
