Spending £15k on a car private sale

[Mrinsignia]

So I have been on a bit of a journey whilst searching for a car, I was looking at dealerships for the peace of mind (that I know can be misplaced if it's a bad garage). However private sales seem to be so much cheaper that I am tempted to buy privately.

My worry is that I don't want to spend £15k on a car and then have the engine drop out on the way home! What can I do and what should I look for to make sure the car isn't a lemon?

[Mrinsignia]

Niponeoff said:

Manufacturer's warranty.

The cars I am looking at are outside of manufacturers warranty.

[Mrinsignia]

SFTWend said:

As said, a professional inspection will help mitigate the risk.

I'm surprised you are finding private sellers asking materially less than dealers. My searches suggest they think they can achieve dealer retail, unless they are selling junk on FB etc.

It's funny you should say that, I'm finding some sellers are reasonable in their prices but some are in a dreamworld with prices nearly the same as dealers!

[Mrinsignia]

rotaryjam said:

Mrinsignia said:

So I have been on a bit of a journey whilst searching for a car, I was looking at dealerships for the peace of mind (that I know can be misplaced if it's a bad garage). However private sales seem to be so much cheaper that I am tempted to buy privately.

My worry is that I don't want to spend £15k on a car and then have the engine drop out on the way home! What can I do and what should I look for to make sure the car isn't a lemon?

Don't be such a wuss

I've owned 33 cars over the last 18 years or so and the vast majority of them were purchased privately, up to £25k in value.

Only really had 2 issues both of which I should have spotted easily. Most issues are fairly easy to spot and you generally get a good feel from the person selling the car. If they seem legit, the car usually is

Haha I am being a wuss,l! I did look at a couple of private cars but ended up buying from a dealer because it was a really good deal.