What are the do's & dont's in buying a used car from a private owner?

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HI, *** NEVER *** TELL THE SELLER YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT CARS. BRING SOMEONE KNOWLEDGEABLE WITH YOU, DAD, FRIEND, MECHANIC. TEST DRIVE THE CAR, CHECK TO SEE EVERYTHING WORKS, GET THE VIN.# AND GET A CAR FAX REPORT BEFORE BUYING THE CAR, ABOUT $15. TRY DRIVING THROUGH A CAR WASH TO LOOK FOR ANY LEAKS IF IT'S A CONVERTIBLE , DON'T ACT DESPERATE ABOUT NEEDING OR WANTING THE CAR. IF YOU DON'T HAVE A MECHANIC, TRY HAVING THE CAR CHECKED BY THE APPROPRIATE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPT. EG.IF IT'S A HONDA, A HONDA DEALER ETC. PRICE IS ALWAYS NEGOTIABLE. NEVER SAY, " I HAVE $5,000 TO SPEND . " RESEARCH THE CAR ON GOOGLE, BUY THE KELLY BLUE BOOK FOR ACCEPTABLE MILEAGE, PRICES, ETC, GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR CAR SEARCH....Show more

Do have it checked out by your mechanic BEFORE you buy it. If seller refuses walk away.
Don't buy the car without the title.
Don't believe one word the seller says. If it's not in writing it never happened....Show more