What to Check Before Buying or Selling a Car Between Private Parties

The potential for private used cars for sale can bring big bargains and savings, while at the same time requires you to be thorough to protect both parties.This guide will walk through important items to review and verify so that your experience can be smooth, easy, and ethical.

For the Buyer: Pre-Purchase Checklist

As the buyer, your primary goal is finding a reliable vehicle at a fair price while also ensuring you are not inheriting someone else's problem. You always want to do your due diligence.

1. Research the Vehicle History

Before ever seeing the car in person, you will want to research the Vehicle History Report (VHR). You can obtain a detailed report based on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for private used cars for sale. The report will provide pertinent information, including but not limited to the following:

• Accident History: Check to see if the vehicle has been in an accident, whether it was a minor incident like a fender-bender or a severe incident with considerable damage.
• Title Status: A "clean" title should be your goal. The vehicle's title should not be "salvaged," "rebuilt," or "flood" titled, as these titles indicate that there are significant damages in the vehicle's past. These issues will also present difficulties in the future when attempting to insure or resell the vehicle.
• Odometer Reading: Review that the mileage is accurate.

2. The Important Inspection and Test Drive

Never skip an inspection and test drive when considering a car purchase. This lets you check the car's condition.

• Outside Inspection: Walk around the car during the day to make the inspection easier. Look for paint that doesn't match (this means someone probably repaired the car some time ago). Next, look for rust, dents, and scratches. Check to confirm all lights work (headlights, tail lights, turn signals).
• Inside Inspection: Press every button, switch, and feature that you can think of. Start the air and the heat. While you check, notice what the interior smells like (mildew, burning oil, etc.). Check the upholstery for rips and excessive stains.
• Under the Hood Inspection: You don't have to be a mechanic to see if something is wrong. Check all fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc.) and for leaks or rust.
• Test Drive: Drive on different roads if you can (city and highway). Listen for any unusual noises coming from the engine or the brakes. Does it pull to one side? Is the transmission shifting smoothly?

To ease your mind, see if you can schedule a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) with a mechanic. It may be a small expense for peace of mind and can save you thousands down the road.

For the Seller: Preparing for a Smooth Sale

As a seller, you want the most money for your car.

1. Check Out Private Used Car Listings

As you search for private used cars for sale, you will get an idea of the current market. You can price your car based on some thinking, but you may also want to negotiate. If your car is in good condition with a clear record of service, you may be able to charge more.

2. Prepare All Documents

Having your paperwork organized helps the sale happen faster and builds confidence for the buyer. You'll need the following:

• Title (Certificate of Title): This document is vital. Make sure it is in your name and there are no liens (loans). If you have a loan outstanding, you will need to check with and have documentation from your lender for payoff and transfer of the title.
• Maintenance Records: A complete folder of service receipts shows you have serviced the vehicle.
• Bill of Sale: This is the legal document that outlines the transaction with the sale information including price, date, vehicle information, and both parties' signatures. Many states have a standard fillable form available online.

3. Get Your Car Ready For Sale

You only get one chance to make a first impression. If your car looks presentable, you are more likely to get serious buyers.

• Deep Clean: Clean and wax the outside. Vacuum and clean the interior, clean the windows, and remove all your personal items. It may be worth it to hire a detailer.
• Fix minor issues: If small, inexpensive things like a burned-out bulb or squeaky belt may only cost a small amount to fix, do it to show the buyer you have properly taken care of the vehicle.

Completing the Transaction: Navigating Paperwork

This is the final and most essential step in the process. For those who are planning to buy and sell used cars in Los Angeles, it's important to follow the specific DMV procedures for your state.

• Complete a Bill of Sale: Both parties should sign two copies of the document—one for the buyer and another for the seller.
• Transfer the Title: The seller will sign over the title to the buyer, and the buyer will take the title to the DMV to get a new title issued in their name. It's important to not leave any fields blank.
• Make the Payment Securely: Cash is straightforward, and while cashier's checks from a legitimate bank are generally the most secure way to transfer a larger amount, do not accept personal checks or wire transfers from people you do not know.
• File a Release of Liability: The seller should file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability form with the DMV immediately. This form notifies the state that you are no longer the owner of the vehicle and should protect you from tickets or accidents resulting from the vehicle that you sold.

Preparedness, whether you are buying or selling a vehicle, can make all the difference. For an even easier and more secure way to manage your transaction, consider using Karkiosk.com.

Karkiosk has been developed to make it as easy as possible for people to buy and sell used cars between private parties. With Karkiosk, you can:

• List Your Car Easily: You can create a detailed listing with quality photographs and descriptions to capture serious buyers quickly.
• Browse Verified Listings: You found a large selection of used cars listed for sale by private party sellers and you know you are seeing actual vehicles being listed for sale by real people.
• Access Vehicle History Tools: You have access to vital car history reports so you can make informed decisions.
• Secure Messaging: Karkiosk allows buyers and sellers to communicate directly using Karkiosk’s internal messaging platform, so that your contact information remains private and safe.
• Reduce Paperwork Hassles: Karkiosk gives the guidance and resources you need to manage things like title transfers, bill of sale, and release of liability forms in order to stay compliant with your state’s rules.
• Trusted Connections: All users are verified and legit.

Karkiosk allows greater confidence for both buyers and sellers to navigate the car sale process, save time, and reduce the concerns typically associated with buying and selling cars privately. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who wants a secure, efficient, and hassle-free way to buy or sell used cars.