4 Must-Ask Questions When Buying A Used Car From A Private Seller

14 July 2015
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If you're looking to buy a used car, you basically have two options: buy from a dealership, such as Hertz Clifton-Passaic Rent A Car, or find a private seller. Many people these days turn to private sellers as a means of avoiding the hassle of haggling with a salesperson. However, if you choose to buy from a private seller, there are some questions you'll want to ask before you finalize the deal to ensure you're making the right decision.

What's Your Reason for Selling?

This is a great question to ask right from the onset of your interactions with the seller--perhaps even before you see the vehicle in person. This can help you gauge how motivated the seller is to get rid of it. For example, if they just bought a new car, they're probably pretty motivated. The same goes for a situation where the car belonged to a parent or relative who has passed on.

Who Did You Buy the Car From?

It's also a good idea to find out where the seller originally got the car from. This can help to give you an idea as to how well it's been maintained. For example, if the seller got it from a dealership when it was brand new, then you can rest assured that it's only had one owner. However, if the seller bought it used from another person, then you might have a harder time knowing how well it's been maintained.

What Kind of Oil Do You Use?

This is an excellent question to ask to get a further idea of how well the vehicle has been taken care of. If the seller immediately answers with the type of oil used, there's a good chance he or she does the oil changes personally and that the car is likely well maintained. At the very least, the seller should be able to provide you with receipts from recent oil changes. If not, this is probably not a good sign.

Will You Allow a Private Inspection?

Any seller who is confident that the car has been well maintained over the years should be more than happy to allow you to perform a private inspection with a licensed mechanic. If the seller seems at all hesitant, it's probably a good time to walk away from the sale because he or she is more than likely trying to hide some kind of mechanical problem with the car from you.