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Buying a car private party...

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Cuda1447

Cuda1447

Lifer
So I may have found the car I want. It's a 2009 Yellow 370z with only 9000 miles on it and it is only about an hour drive from where I'm at. I have very specific requirements for what I want, so I'm really excited I found this car so close. I've never bought a car from a private party though, what are some things to look out for?

I plan on getting financed through a credit union and that should be no problem. I'm not a gear head, so I don't know exactly what to look for in terms of problems with a car outside of the obvious stuff. I know I'll be paying more in taxes since I won't be doing a trade in and getting the credit for that, but I've already calculated that amount into what my loan will be.

The guy said he isn't willing to negotiate on the price, as it's already a good price, which I agree it is. I wonder if I can't negotiate a bit further down once I look at it though.


Any tips/advice you guys have for me? I just want to cover my ass here.
 
ask if he can take it to nissan for a point inspection. you offer to pay the cost. should be about $80 and less than an hour. or go together.


check tire wear and tear esp on that car. get a carfax report?
 
ask if he can take it to nissan for a point inspection. you offer to pay the cost. should be about $80 and less than an hour. or go together.
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+1 to this.

I suggest get an Autocheck (like carfax) but they'll buy the car back if their info is wrong ( good info here on autocheck vs. carfax - http://www.carbuyingtips.com/vehicle-history-report.htm )

I also just sort of basic things to look for:
No mudd/body work under/around fenders
Check all the lines where parts meet (fender to door/hoor/bumper/etc) and makes sure the gaps are even, nothing is twisted or "off" from stock.
Ask for maintenance records (autocheck should provide them) but if the owner actually has them they might be anal and take good care of the car.
Tire wear as mentioned - if its even good, if it isn't then something might be off

Good luck!
 
And yes, you can always try to bargain down a bit once you meet face to face. Unfortunately, it works best when you have cash. Hard to resist a big wad of cash being offered to you vs. a check.
 
Completely agree with a real PPI. There is nothing like putting a car on a lift and getting a good look underneath.

Even if you find some moderate issues they can help you haggle the price even further.
 
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