I've never bought a car in a private sale (i.e., not through a dealer) but am considering it currently.
For anyone that has (or has sold one), what is a reasonable process? Is it customary for the potential buyer to take the vehicle to a mechanic to check it out? is that typically done on site (meaning I'd have to bring the mechanic to the persons house)?
thanks.
As the other poster mentioned, if you do take it to a mechanic, make sure it's one who can lift it off the ground to get a full look at the underside.
it is a 20 yr old 2 dr Wrangler but has less than 60k miles on it and is well priced... which is very rare. But definitely want someone qualified to give it a full check up.
I just went through this when I purchased my 68 mustang. The seller was very honest about what he knew about the car, (selling it for his son who received it as a gift from Grandfather). We agreed on the price, and he let me keep the plates on it to drive it home so i could get registered at a later date. Worked out nicely.
The car is 20 years old so don't expect everything to be perfect, even if it's low miles. If you get snowy winters, it's been through 20 of them. Stuff rots/rusts a lot faster with salt. Also, you are on your own in terms of recourse if the car shits the bed a week later. At least with dealers you have a lemon law for 30 days after(in my state at least)
Keep an open mind about what's a 'Big Deal' if it needs tires and brakes, is that a big deal? those are wear items that need to be replaced anyway, if it were me i wouldn't let that deter me too much. If the transmission doesn't shift or the car has weird engine noises, i would run away. Ask them if they have all the maintenance or work receipts for it. This will help you down the road.
Go on cars.com or similar jeep forum and read the reviews for that model year. See if there were common issues. My Honda Accord had a VTC Actuator service bulletin, but it expired before I owned the car.. that was $1400 repair. If there is an issue common to that car, ask about it, to see if it's been resolved. Also carfax if possible.
Interesting trades welcome :)
typically, this requires you to do the transaction and then go personally to DMV and then go back and get the car with your own plates.
You can even run the plate number under carvana (or similar) to check the value based on that specific car.
Like others said, a good car is usually sold by a good person. So check the vibe from the seller and see if there is something else going on as well.
Check for fluid leaks, check the fluids. I once test drove a used Honda Accord, noticed a partially full bottle of motor oil in the trunk, dipstick showed black oil, level low. Close inspection of engine revealed a seriously leaky valve cover casket. Owner didn't mention ANY of that.
Research and find if the vehicle has a timing chain or BELT and if it's a belt, make sure there's proof of mileage, replacement... check online for common problems with the model and year.
Don't buy someone else's problem!!
Using a checklist is a really good way to make sure you don't get screwed.