Is it safe to buy a used car privately...

    If you're going to buy privately there are some things you should do.. decide what price you can afford, and choose a car in that range next.. when you phone up ask:- if the seller owns the car and for how long.. ask if the registration document is in his or her name, if it is in their name and they have owned the vehicle for a reasonable length of time.. then and only then go and view it.. (if it's not in their name it's a fair bet that it's a "Jack the Lad" selling the car and usually not to be advised)... if you can, take someone with you who knows something about cars.. remember there's no gaurantee when you buy privately.. if you can't take someone qualified with you and you like the car.. ask if they will allow an independant engineer to check it over (which will be a cost to you but well worth it).. if they won't - don't buy it.

    If you are a female buyer - do not go alone.. for your own protection and safety take someone with you whether they're qualified or not.

    If you do decide to buy the car, check the documents including the M.O.T. which, while it's not an engineers report.. if it's a long M.O.T.. it does mean that an Government approved engineer has looked at certain important items on that vehicle fairly recently. (but, get an independant engineers report if at all possible).

If in any doubt, consult a garage or a specialist centre

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