How do you buy a used car from someone?

Do’s

Before seeing the car, look up the fair market value of the vehicle using Kelley Blue Book.
Ask the seller for the mileage on the car so you can do your research.
Ask the seller for service records.
Check the registration. …
Deal with local sellers, if possible.
Check the VIN on the car against the paperwork.

In respect to this, What documents should I get when buying a used car?

When purchasing a used car, you should ensure you receive the registration document (V5C), the MOT certificate, a full service history and any write-off car checks (if applicable). You should always check that these documents match with the car in question and that everything is above board and checks out.

Furthermore, Can I buy a car for someone else with cash?

It’s not always possible to pay cash for a large purchase. … In all honesty, anytime you’re not financing directly through the dealership, you’re considered a cash buyer Autolist tells us. So, even if you bring a check from a credit union or another bank, the dealership will think of you as a cash buyer.

Additionally, Can you buy a car for someone else?

Know your loan options

If you purchase a car for someone else, you have the option to have the loan in your name or to cosign with the individual you’re buying it for. The only way to buy the vehicle as a surprise is to put in the loan in your own name. The title may be registered under both names.

How many miles should a used car have? As a general rule, you should assume that the average car owner puts 12,000 miles on a car each year. To determine whether a car has reasonable mileage, you can simply multiply 12,000 by its age. That means good mileage for a car that’s 5 years old is 60,000.

19 Related Questions Answers Found

What mileage is good for a used car?

What Is Good Mileage for a Used Car? Mileage will vary between vehicles, but a decent rule of thumb to follow is that people drive an average of about 12,000 miles a year. Therefore, 120,000 miles would be a good mileage for a used car that’s about 10 years old.

Do I need insurance before I buy a used car?

You don’t need insurance before you buy a used car. In fact, it would be hard to buy used car insurance if you don’t have the final purchase price and the vehicle’s identification number.

Why you should never pay cash for a car?

If you tell them you’re paying cash, they will automatically calculate a lower profit and thus will be less likely to negotiate a lower price for you. If they think you’re going to be financing, they figure they’ll make a few hundred dollars in extra profit and therefore be more flexible with the price of the car.

Is it better to gift a car or sell for $1?

While some car owners consider selling the car for a dollar instead of gifting it, the DMV gift car process is the recommended, not to mention more legitimate, way to go. … They might not like the car or might be offended by a hand-me-down gift. Be sure that they afford insurance and maintenance costs.

Do car dealers prefer cash or financing?

But that’s not how car buying works. Dealers prefer buyers who finance because they can make a profit on the loan – therefore, you should never tell them you’re paying cash. You should aim to get pricing from at least 10 dealerships. Since each dealer is selling a commodity, you want to get them in a bidding war.

Can an unmarried couple buy a car together?

Buying a Car Together. It’s not uncommon for unmarried couples to purchase a car together. If you do so, be aware that buying a car means entering into a series of agreements with third parties (for example, a car dealer, a bank, and an insurance company) that are binding regardless of the status of your relationship.

What used cars NOT to buy?

30 Used Cars Consumer Reports Gave the ‘Never Buy’ Label

Chrysler Town & Country. Chrysler’s new minivan will hopefully rate better than Town & Country. …
BMW X5. 2012 BMW X5 | BMW. …
Ford Fiesta. Compact cars by Ford had a bad run between 2011 and 2014 | Ford. …
Ram 1500. …
Volkswagen Jetta. …
Cadillac Escalade. …
Audi Q7. …
Fiat 500.

Is 30000 miles a lot for a used car?

In most cases, the first service for a used car is usually between 30,000 and 40,000 miles; by the 70,000-mile mark, the service visit is usually more expensive and might require more work, such as changing the timing belt, according to Edmunds.

Should I buy a car with 150K miles?

Many modern cars with 100K-150K miles are in great condition and will easily go another 100K. However, if a car has not been maintained properly and has been driven hard or previously wrecked, it can be junk with only 30K miles on the odometer.

Is it OK to buy a car with 100K miles?

No, in most cases, buying a car with 100K miles is not a bad idea. In fact, there are a number of benefits to buying a high-mileage car. For example, cars with 100K miles cost less to purchase, register, and insure, all while depreciating slower than low-mileage cars.

What is bad mileage on a car?

Typically, putting 12,000 to 15,000 miles on your car per year is viewed as “average.” A car that is driven more than that is considered high-mileage. With proper maintenance, cars can have a life expectancy of about 200,000 miles.

How do you get insurance before buying a car?

Getting car insurance before buying a car is as easy as picking out your vehicle, contacting an insurance provider (or three) for a quote, and paying for your new policy.
Yes, you’ll need insurance to take home your new vehicle. …
Pick out your vehicle. …
Confirm your intent to buy the car.

Do dealerships verify insurance?

Yes, dealerships verify insurance. For new and used, leased or financed vehicles, you will need to provide proof of insurance to the dealership. The policy will need to meet the minimum coverage requirements in your state, too.

Can you buy insurance without a car?

Can you get car insurance without a car? Yes. Guidelines vary, but typically an insurer will require that: You have a valid driver’s license.

Will car dealers take less for cash?

Some dealerships love financing because they earn a commission from the lender, making an extra profit on the loan. Other dealers may prefer cash sales because they immediately close the deal. They might even offer a cash discount. … You’ll find that most private sellers tend to prefer a quick cash sale too.

What should you not say to a car salesman?

10 Things You Should Never Say to a Car Salesman

“I really love this car” …
“I don’t know that much about cars” …
“My trade-in is outside” …
“I don’t want to get taken to the cleaners” …
“My credit isn’t that good” …
“I’m paying cash” …
“I need to buy a car today” …
“I need a monthly payment under $350”

Does paying cash for a car lower the price?

Cash gets you the discount price, which is the cost you pay for taking advantage of zero percent financing. And when you pay cash, you may even be able to negotiate a better price, particularly on a used car.