Private Sellers

Private sellers are sellers who advertise their used cars on a one off basis, they are not professional car dealers, do not necessarily have a car show room and often offer cars cheaper than the professional dealers. It is useful to mention now that these types of dealers often offer full cash on delivery method of transaction. Price negotiation when dealing with these types of sellers is usually agreed between the seller and the buyer. There is no legal obligation to buy if you do not agree on a price or are not satisfied with the condition of the car even after a test drive. The private seller has no overheads, no legal obligation to prepare and clean the car up, and rarely offers a warranty. As such, the asking price for the car will be lower than a dealership.

There can be certain risks involved as unscrupulous sellers may try to use private sales to off-load sub-standard or stolen cars. But don't let this put you off. If you're sensible, buying privately can have you motoring for far less than if you'd chosen to buy from a dealer. But you need to be aware of the following:

1. Cars advertised for private sale must be "Sold as seen" but that's about as far as the legal obligations go.
   
   
2. The private seller is not obliged to allow you make a private check on the car before purchase, that means you MAY not be allowed to take the car away for inspection in a private sale.


3. You won't get a warranty.


4. Part-exchange of an old car may not be allowed in a private sale. You will have to sell your old car yourself, or dispose of it before or after you purchase the new car.


5. Finally, be careful when making checks on a private car. If necessary ask a more experienced person to go along with you to offer a second opinion. As long as you make proper checks, buying a car from a privately seller can be financially rewarding when compared with buying from a dealership, be prepared to work a little harder to get the best value for your money.