Safely buying privately

[3narf]

Hello

I've never really thought about the chances of being scammed or ripped off with a private purchase, mainly because I've only ever bought crap cars.

The reason for this policy is that I have a daily commute of 180 miles. However, with the demise of my latest crap car, and the imminent encroachment of the London ULEZ to include Heathrow, I'm intending to buy something a bit newer and less crap.

So the question is, how do I safely buy a car for around £10k from a private seller? I've driven a couple at a dealership which I like (Mk7 Golf Estates) but I've found one for sale privately for just slightly less and slightly higher spec, which I'm looking at this eve. Obviously if anything doesn't feel right with the seller or location, or with the car, I'm going to walk away, but beyond getting an HPI check, what else could I do?

Thanks

[Bemmer]

Ask the dealership where you've already driven a couple for some advice on buying privately....

[CarlosSainz100]

Get a car vertical check loads of codes online for 10% off



Once you're happy with the car send the money via bank transfer. But really if you're worried about being scammed so much I'd use a dealer to at least give you some kind of warranty or comeback.....

[coldel]

https://theusedcarguy.co.uk/how-to-buy/private-car...

[sixor8]

Run the reg through gumtree or Autotrader as if you were selling it and you'll get a free HPI check of sorts. It will tell you if it has a write off category.

Checking the reg here will tell you how long since a V5c was issued, give a clue as to length of ownership, unless it's had a reg change or owner moved house of course:

https://vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk/

If the full V5c is not present, he may be a trader pretending to be private, in which case be suspicious. Last time I bought a car, and a motorcycle, I paid by bank transfer. Any genuine seller wouldn't refuse this, surely?

[Crusoe]

Vinwiki.com web app will give you the vin from most registrations which will then let you check the original spec, mot history etc. depending on the car.

[3narf]

Thanks everyone

[VeeReihenmotor6]

Suppose it also depends a bit on your attitude to risk. Buying a car from a dealer gives you some comeback if things go pear shaped and the bigger dealers do a multipoint car check on the basics which is where I would go if I didn't know much about cars. Private sales might get you the car a grand cheaper but that could easily be eaten away if things are not what they seem.

You could get a friendly mechanic to come and look at the private car with you as another option but of course it is more hassle and perhaps a bit more ambigious, certainly for comeback, than buying from a dealer.

[lj04]

Mostly bought cars privately had more trouble with dealer cars. But would haggle down the price if just less than the dealer.

[dunc69]

VW, for example, are currently offering 2 years warranty and 2 years European breakdown cover on all their used approved cars.

That is worth quite a bit, so worth considering buying from a dealer.

[Bennet]

3narf said:

Hello
I've never really thought about the chances of being scammed or ripped off with a private purchase

What specifically are you worried about? You'll get the measure of the seller just by meeting them. Don't buy unless you feel you can trust them. If it's a family home with two nice kids and a Labrador and they offer you a cup of tea at the kitchen table whilst you think about it, they probably aren't scamming you. If it's a couple of rough blokes in a car park, keep looking.

(Also - you mentioned going this evening, but you really need to view the car in daylight.)

[ZX10R NIN]

Quite simply it doesn't matter if you buy privately or from a main dealer always do YOUR checks, check the cars MOT history do a VCheck if possible check the cars service history,

If you're really not confident get an inspection carried out, have a good look at the bodywork & go from there.

[alisdairm]

Reminded me of this story:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Quite a long read, but lots of good advice in there.

[3narf]

Thanks, all. The car had gone before I could look at it so I've bought one from a dealer.