Buy/Sell Car – Private Seller

Many might think that buying or selling from a private seller’s point of view is very troublesome. It can be quite simple process if you know what you are doing and you might save up a lot from getting rid off middleman (used-car dealer).

Always remember “no work no gain”!!! There are some tips for the Private-Seller, and also tips for Buying from a Private-Seller

For Private Seller, this is what you need to do in order to get a better selling price:-

• Clean your car. Do some vacuuming, polishing, and a simple wash, wipe, throw the rubbish.
• Copy some good write-up from used-car dealer.
• Write something special about your car. All other info might already captured in your ads except those special features (e.g. dashcam, original floor mat, accident free, 1 owner, full service records, window tint, new tyres, etc.)
• Take nice photos – Exterior (front, side & rear), boot area (include spare tyres), engine area, tyres.
• Take nice photos – Interior Dashboard (put the engine started), odometer, gear, electronics (player, USB port, AUX port), Steering wheels & controls, Controls (window, side mirror, idle stop buttons, cruise control, reverse camera screen, etc.)
• Take nice photos – Interior – floor mat, general view of front seats, rear seats
• Do some research – how much is your car if trade-in, how much do similar car / model / mileage sell on the market by a used-car dealer.

For Buying with a Private Seller, this is what you need to do in order to negotiate a better buying price:-

• Make up your mind and focused on specific research on the type, mileage, year, brand, model of car you really want. There is no point checking various types of cars just by looking at price. You will end up confusing yourself more.
• Check prices from used-car dealer on similar car before go for inspection on a private-seller’s car.
• Test drive a used-car dealer’s car to get a feel of the engine, mechanical, sound, etc. before you go to inspect a private-seller’s car. So you will have a basic idea of what is feels like and some idea of the similar for your comparison.
• Read up the description from seller. Book marked it for comparison after. List down special features from different seller on similar car.
• Set a meet-up location which is bright and open area.
• Things that can be used for negotiating price – tyres tread %, used-car dealer’s warranty, used-car dealer’s price, service records, etc.
• Check for spare keys, vehicle manual, test-driving.
• IMPORTANT: Check 3 records: Finance record, Written-off record, Stolen vehicle record >>> www.PPSR.gov.au <<< for just $2.
• TIPS: Do inspection in the morning. If everything goes smoothly, just proceed with payment & transfer of ownership within same day. You might able to avoid paying “deposit” or your offer price being overcut!

Avoid Buying if this happens (Fraud Alert):-

1. Seller unable to show his/her identity (e.g. Driver’s licence).
2. Seller pre-filled the Transfer of Ownership paperworks.
3. Seller not showing up, but letting another representative to deal with you.
4. Seller requesting for large amount of deposit, but unable to show any proof of ownership of the vehicle. (sometimes checking the service invoice might be able to see who usually bring the car for maintenance service)
5. Seller request deal done in later time (e.g. 1 month later). You wouldn’t know what is happening with the car after that waiting period.

BUYING / SELLING PROCESS

After strike a deal:-

1. Buyer might choose to pay cash – via Cash or Buyer & Seller can make appointment with bank to complete the transfer, so that to confirmed the Seller received the fund.
2. Make sure get the signed copy of Transfer Form (at the back of registration paper), and filled in all relevant details. (at least get the Seller’s license sighted to confirm ownership of the car)
3. Go to nearest >>>Service SA<<< together to get transfer done immediately.

The above is just the best recommended ways of dealing with Private Seller as both parties will be worry-free with Seller receiving the fund & Buyer get the transfer of ownership paperworks done.