Used Cars for Sale by Owner Near Me

We’ve outlined the 10 key questions you should ask when it comes to buying a used car or used truck from a private owner. This advice applies whether you're buying a private seller car under $5,000 or over $50,000.

1. Why is the car for sale? This is the most obvious but most important question. You may find out new information that wasn’t initially revealed in the vehicle’s description or photos.
2. How long have they owned the car? If they’re selling a car they just purchased, this may be a red flag.
3. Where did they buy the car? You want to understand the car’s history and life, which may shed key light on issues if they exist.
4. Is a vehicle history report available? All private seller vehicles sold on Autotrader automatically include a free vehicle history report.
5. Has the car been in an accident? The vehicle history report should indicate if the car was in an (major or minor) accident.
6. Does the car have a rebuilt title? If so, why? Be aware that many flooded vehicles often get retitled with a salvage title and sold to unsuspecting buyers.
7. Does the seller have service and maintenance records? Not everyone keeps their maintenance records. Good records suggest an owner who has taken care of their car.
8. Have they modified the car? After-market upgrades, like special wheels or an upgraded suspension, might increase the value of the car.
9. Can you test drive the car? Any private owner who isn’t willing to let you test drive the car, better have a very good reason.
10. Can you have your mechanic inspect the car? Having an independent, pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic you trust could reveal issues not initially revealed by a test drive.