Private sale: more risk, more reward
Buying a car privately is almost always cheaper than from a dealer — but there is no warranty and no comeback, so the homework is on you. Done carefully, a private purchase saves thousands. Done carelessly, it buys someone else's problem. Here is the routine.
Before you view: check the paperwork trail
- Match the identity. The registration document, the VIN on the car (windscreen and door frame/engine bay) and the seller's name and address should all match. Mismatches are a red flag.
- Run a history check. A paid vehicle-history report reveals outstanding finance, write-off/insurance records, mileage discrepancies and stolen status. Never skip this for a car.
- Service history and inspection records. A consistent stamped service book and recent roadworthiness inspection are worth real money and peace of mind.
Outstanding finance scam: if the car still has finance owing on it, the lender can repossess it even after you have paid the seller. The history check exists precisely to catch this — always do it.
Inspect in daylight, when dry
- Bodywork: uneven panel gaps, mismatched paint shades and overspray suggest accident repair. A magnet and a paint-depth gauge help find filler.
- Rust: check sills, wheel arches, suspension mounts and the boot floor.
- Tyres: uneven wear hints at alignment or suspension problems; check all four (and the spare) for tread and age.
- Fluids: milky oil (head-gasket), low or burnt-smelling transmission fluid, and coolant level. Look under the car for fresh leaks.
- Electronics: every window, light, the AC, infotainment and warning lights. A dashboard light cleared just before sale is suspicious.
The test drive
Drive it cold from the first start (a seller who "warms it up" first may be hiding a hard cold-start). Listen for knocks and whines; feel for vibration under braking, pulling to one side, slipping gears and clutch bite point. Take it up to motorway speed if you can. If anything feels off and you are not sure, pay for a professional pre-purchase inspection — it is cheap relative to the car.
Know the market price first. Compare the same make, model, year and mileage across our search and country marketplaces so you negotiate from data, not hope. See
pricing & negotiation.
Closing safely
- Meet at the seller's home address (it should match the documents), never a car park.
- Pay in a traceable way; be very cautious with large cash handovers.
- Complete the ownership-transfer paperwork properly and get a dated, signed receipt.
For the general principles behind all of this, see avoiding scams and the inspection checklist.