Buying a Used Vehicle Between Individuals: How Not to Be Ripped Off?

Buying a used vehicle from an individual saves money. However, unscrupulous sellers and the proliferation of enticing advertisements on the Internet call for increased vigilance to avoid any scam. Advice.

9 tips to avoid getting ripped off buying a used car

Beware of overpriced prices

Inevitably, the prices that are very, even too advantageous, are tempting. Unfortunately, they can hide faults or hidden defects or even other scams. Conversely, too high a price is not an absolute guarantee of quality either. Whatever the model, consult its rating at the Argus , the reference in terms of prices .

1. Beware of sellers and existing scam networks , especially on the Internet.Refuse any online transaction and do not pay the slightest deposit without having seen and tested the vehicle . To make sure of the seller’s good faith, do not hesitate to ask him for his identity document, his driver’s license and the vehicle registration certificate . Beware of sellers who can only be reached by email.
2. Check the documents related to the vehicle and its history .For example, beware of too many previous owners of the car. The documents must be in the name of the seller , do not accept any transaction from a so-called third party, mandated by an owner.
3. Check the repair invoices, the maintenance book and the technical inspection .It’s unlikely, but if the seller mentions any loss or breakdown of the used vehicle, ask to see the mechanic’s invoices. Regarding the technical control, know that to sell a used car, it is mandatory , unless it is less than 4 years old or the seller is a professional. On the other hand, the counter-visit is not .
4. **Be careful when testing the car.** This is one of the key moments when buying a used car . Pay attention to every detail . Before getting behind the wheel, examine the vehicle very carefully and ask as many questions as necessary. Be particularly vigilant as to the mileage displayed , tampered odometers being legion. Once on the road, insist on driving the car in different conditions , and push it to its limits in order to test its potential and detect any anomalies (brakes, transmission, steering, engine, etc.).
5. **Examine the interior of the car.** We often tend to neglect this aspect but the examination of the passenger compartment is fundamental . It is essential to make sure that the vehicle is comfortable , but also that certain key elements such as mirrors, air conditioning, seat adjustment and above all, safety equipment such as airbags, are functioning normally.
6. Carefully read the sales document and its contents before signing .As for an amicable report , only sign if you agree with everything  ! Do not hesitate to point out any omissions or errors and ask for a correction, because this document will be the only one to be authentic in the event of a subsequent dispute.
7. Make sure you don’t buy a stolen car!To do this, simply check that the numbers on the chassis and the engine compartment are identical , and that they correspond to the one on the vehicle registration document . You can also go to the police station with this number to possibly find out more.
8. Finalize the sale at the seller’s doorstep .This will give you information on its address vis-à-vis the vehicle.
9. Find the right insurance for your car.With lesferets, it’s easy to insure your used car ! All you have to do is tell us your needs via our questionnaire and we will take care of selecting offers according to your expectations. All you have to do is subscribe online to the best auto insurance for you, without leaving your home.

SAVE €360 / year** on your car insurance

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Frequently asked questions about buying a used vehicle between individuals

What paper to ask when buying a car from a private individual?

At the time of the sale, you will need to receive the vehicle’s gray card or its registration certificate, the vehicle transfer certificate or the certificate of administrative status. You must also receive the technical inspection report if your second-hand car is more than 4 years old.

How not to be fooled when buying a used vehicle?

Several points should be checked before you start buying a used car:

• examine the car (interior, exterior)
• test the car on different roads and be sure to watch the mileage
• check all the documents related to the car (the report of the technical inspection, the declaration certificate, the registration certificate, the maintenance book etc.)
• don’t make a deposit until you see the vehicle

How to protect yourself in the event of the sale of a vehicle?

Are you selling your vehicle? In this case, be specific and honest when writing your ad. You must specify the age, the condition of the vehicle or all the options it has. In addition, when drafting the sales contract, it will be necessary to explain the framework of the sale as well as the potential defects of the vehicle.

How to buy a car away from home?

You can call on a car broker who, for a commission on the price of the vehicle, will find the car you want for you.

Otherwise, you can order your car and have it delivered to you via specialized sites. You can also go through dealer click-and-collect.

Which guarantee to choose for the purchase of a second-hand car from private individual?

Have you noticed that your car has problems or faults? To avoid unpleasant surprises, you can use your guarantees to help you.

For example, the legal warranty (or hidden defect) compensates you when the defect observed is serious and prevents the use of the vehicle and its proper functioning. The commercial warranty covers defects and defective parts of your vehicle within a given time.