Buying a car from an individual seller can generally save time and money. You have the flexibility to bargain even the seller may not be a reliable negotiator like the seller at a car dealer. While many people worry about buying a car that is not in good condition, there are actually many cars that have low repair costs. With diligent and patient search, there are always individual sellers who offer used cars at affordable prices.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Choosing a Car
Step 1. Prepare funds
Individual sellers only accept cash or checks and do not provide installment facilities. However, individual sellers sell cheaper than agents but there is no guarantee of consumer protection for the buyer. Check your dream car on several automotive sites or media.
Apply for financing through a bank. If your savings are insufficient, consider borrowing from a bank. The fee varies depending on your credit rating. Apply for a loan before contacting the seller
Step 2. Look at your transportation needs
Whether you need a car to transport large items, cater to group passengers, the usual mileage is also the terrain of the trip. Think the car will be used every day so that the car does not exceed or do not meet your needs. This can help you find the vehicle you are looking for.
Step 3. Create a list
Search automotive ads, online sites, newspapers and get information from family and friends. Online sites like Mobil123.com make it easy for you to select cars and sellers. Sellers compete fiercely in the marketplace so decide on the ad offerings you want to follow up on.
Step 4. Study the information in the ad
Ads that are unclear or detailed generally reflect the dishonesty of the seller. The more information you can get from advertising, the better. You can also compare the asking price with the market price.
Part 2 of 4: Meeting the Seller
Step 1. Call the seller during business hours
Do not call late at night or too early; they may not be able to talk for long about the condition of the car. Sellers should be easy to reach at the phone number listed in the ad or the number they give you. If not, don't call again because it might be a scam.
Step 2. Check the manufacturing company, model, year of manufacture, number of kilometers, vehicle number and general condition of the vehicle
Any defects can affect the price so compare with the quote. Ask why the vehicle was sold. Check out the information for comparison with the original condition.
Step 3. Make an appointment
Find a time that works for both of you and is best done in a public place if you don't know the seller. If possible, ask the seller to bring the car so you can inspect the car. The seller must provide all the information and background related to the car. Notify the seller if you change the meeting schedule.
Part 3 of 4: Checking the Vehicle
Step 1. Request car maintenance history
Sole proprietorships generally record repairs or maintenance of their cars. The police usually have a record of the car involved in the accident. Use the engine serial number printed on the steering wheel or the engine to be checked through the police or online sites if available.
Step 2. Check the state of the car when the engine is started and turned off carefully
Inspect the car body for defects or repair marks, look at the tires for cracks or low air pressure, and inspect the engine for signs of damage. There is no prohibition against selling damaged cars so the seller can hide the real condition by selling and registering his car in another area.
Step 3. Check the car for damage from being submerged in water
Mineral deposits, uneven coloration, traces of water on the inside, a very strong odor from cleaning agents, or residual debris are signs of water damage. If the engine or the inside is damaged due to being submerged in water, chances are that the car cannot be repaired.
Step 4. Check for rust or damage to the car body
Check the tire mounts, rockers, flooring, and trunk. Removing rust costs a lot of money. Signs of poor car body repair include unequal paint colors, use of plastic or composite putty, or gaps between panels.
Step 5. Look at the number of kilometers
The odometer is reliable but the seat covers and pedals can also be used as a reference. Kelley Blue Book provides a price calculator facility based on kilometers. Have this counter ready as price adjustments are different for each car.
Step 6. Check the tire tread especially the front wheel
If the grooves are uneven, the nose of the car may need to be straightened, also check the shock absorbers, tires or piston rod ties. Replacing a car tire may not be very expensive but serious damage can be dangerous when the car is driven for a test run.
Step 7. Check the battery
It is cheap and easy to install. Corroded terminal parts indicate poor maintenance. Avoid testing if the battery is rusty because it can cause sparks.
Step 8. Check the air filter
Make sure there is no oil in the filter or around the intake air filter. If there is oil, it could be a sign that the piston is expanding or an engine failure has occurred. If you don't know how to check, ask a mechanic for help.
Step 9. Check radiator water and oil level when engine is off
The oil that sticks to the oil shaft should be black and not gritty. Radiator water must be clear, not cloudy or brown. Radiator water that is not clear indicates there is a serious problem with the engine that makes the car unsafe and requires a lot of money to repair.
Step 10. Check the transmission oil when the engine is started
It should be odorless and slightly viscous. Oil that is orange or brown means it hasn't been replaced in a long time. Do not test the car if there is a problem with the transmission because the engine will lock or be damaged and cause an accident.
Step 11. Check the temperature controller
Turn on heating and cooling to be sure. The air conditioner may need additional freon to make it cooler. The fan should run smoothly and quietly.
Step 12. Test the car
Drive the car as usual for some time. This includes passing on expressways and regular roads. Pay attention to the engine temperature, light steering, smooth when changing gears, as well as the check engine light. You can observe gear changes by observing the rise and fall of the tachometer as speed changes. Some repairs can be done in a short time.
Part 4 of 4: Buying a Car
Step 1. Ensure the completeness of the documents
Unlike dealing with an agent, you will have to take care of the car purchase documents yourself. You can contact the Samsat Polda to ensure the documents needed to take care of taxes, transfer of ownership, registration and other matters related to the law in buying a car. Make sure you are ready with funding either independently or through a loan before buying a car.
Step 2. Get a mechanic to inspect and test the car
In some areas an emission test is required before selling the car, this will help you find problems with the car that were missed during a vehicle test. The seller should be willing to help even though you may have to pay the cost.
Step 3. Make a bid if you match the car
Even if you are used to fixed prices, this is the time to bid below market value. Negotiations are commonplace and if you are ready with cash, you can pressure the seller to offer you a lower price.
Take advantage of seller conditions. Often the seller is compelled to sell his car directly because his car is priced low by the agent and wants to immediately release his car at a better price. When selling, he doesn't mind lower profits. You can take advantage of this condition when negotiating prices
Step 4. Get a transfer of ownership certificate from the seller
If the seller agrees with your price, complete all the paperwork and make the payment. The seller must sign the required documents and you must ensure legal ownership. If you are checked by the police and the car registration is not in your name, the car can be considered a stolen car.
Suggestion
- Get the machine serial number so you can confirm it with the Samsat Polda. You will receive reports of accidents and major damage that has occurred to the car.
- Ask independent parties for advice on the selling price of the car you are after. Make sure there is a third party rating that takes into account the value of the car based on the number of kilometers, condition and location. Generally people like to use DriverSide, Edmunds, and Kelly Blue Book.
Warning
- If you're not comfortable with the seller, the car, the neighborhood or whatever, just leave it; You are under no obligation to see the car, test it or buy it.
- Don't test the car if you think it's in an unfit condition. A faulty or malfunctioning machine can cause an accident. Even if you drive at low speed, car accidents are very dangerous.
