Private sales | Information needed when buying privately

The visual check of the vehicle.

Walk all round the car , bending down to observe for any lower body and under car damage as well, are there any oil leaks? Is there any rust showing , usually found on lower parts of car and bottoms of doors also look for bubbles under the paintwork in other areas as well. Check for fading or cracking paintwork, are there any colour variations showing ? What about the interior are you going to be happy looking at cracked dashboards, torn door and seat trims, missing knobs and window winders.

Try all the major controls clutch, accelerator, trafficators and automatic gear levers do they function properly. Are the seat belts fastening efficiently? Turn on the lights are globes working, trafficators indicating and hazzard light functioning? Turn on the sound system check volume and sound quality. Open the boot is it tidy? Check spare tyre for ware are tools in place is there any rust showing in the compartment?

Look to see where car is usually parked , is there oil showing on the ground ,a simle test. Looking under the bonnet check for leaks oil water or seepage from hoses or clamps. See what condition the radiator apears in and after openiing the cap what is the coolant colour like if not bright and clean green could indicate future problems.Warning never open a warm or hot radiator you will be scalded .

Walk around the car bend down low and inspect the tyres are they worn evenly. If not this may be an indication of future problems. Check spare it may indicate future problems if the car is fitted with new tyres the worn spare may indicate future repairs. This is a useful tip. Bounce the car up and down there should be a firmness if not an indication of repacement shock absorbers being needed..

Test driving the vehicle.

A test drive is important, but BE WARNED, you run the risk of substantial claims being made against you if you have an accident. Check to see if the vehicle is covered by comprehensive insurance before you go for a test drive

Start the car does it start immediatly? are there any strange noises? Can you hear any undue exhaust noise. Move the steering wheel do you feel a slackness? if yes maybe excess ware is indicated. Begin your test drive check brake pedal travel is it escessive? Are there any rattles or squeeks? Any grinding noises? When changing gears is the action smooth any grating indicates worn syncromeshes (expensive to repair) . When changing gears do you feel slippage when the clutch is engaged. Can indicate a clutch needing to be replaced . If its an automatic the car should move off imediately when selecting drive, reverse or neutral. The automatic should change smoothly between gears and under gentle or moderate acceleration the gear change should be virtually undetectable.

Watch the rear for smoke from the exhaust , especially when going downhill to check back off the accelerator you will see smoke if there is a problem, Try braking , does the car pull up smoothly and evenly without pulling to one side. Try the handbrake does it secure the car at rest? Keep an eye on the gauges are they giving a true indication of their function?

If you are not an expert and the car appears value but you have detected some future or present repairs requiring attention please have an expert check the car to confirm before buying, do not hand over any money until you are completely happy and all repairs are completed to your satisfaction. Rember there is always another car.

Buyer warning

There is no statutory warranty when you purchase a vehicle from a private seller. Its your responsibility to check the vehicle thoroughly for any mechanical, exterior or interior damage or defects. If you are not an expert, you should seriously consider having the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic or inspection service like the NRMA.