Personal Safety Tips

Safety tips to follow when buying a car from any seller on koopcars.com:

 

  • Insist on a public meeting place like a cafe, bank, or shopping center.
  • Do not meet in a secluded place or invite strangers into your home.
  • Tell a friend or family member where you're going.
  • Consider having a friend accompany you.

Safety tips on make car deal with seller on koopcars.com:

  • Always get it in writing. Whether it’s a promise of the condition of the car on the whole or the condition of a particular part or system, pay special attention to listings that have promises of new or recently repaired parts. Get evidence of the promises they are making. Keep any and all correspondence in writing, whether it be through email or text message. Secure a paper trail.
  • Always ask important questions before you go to inspect the car. Ask if it has had repairs recently and where they were done. Ask for a copy of receipts for proof. Ask if the seller has had any issues with the car. Ask for the VIN if you want to go the extra mile and do an online check like CarFax. Make sure the seller’s answers are in written form, if you ever need to reference them later.
  • Always ask to test drive. Not every private seller is comfortable allowing this, because if you’re test driving their vehicle and something happens to it, the seller is on the hook legally and financially. But it doesn’t hurt to ask.
  • Try not to buy a car without having a mechanic inspecting it. If the mechanic finds issues with the car, ask him or her to itemize the findings on the inspection report. Use the issues as a point of negotiations. Often the seller wants to get rid of the car, so they may be willing to work with you on splitting the repair bill or lowering the purchase price of the car.
  • Never let the seller choose the mechanic. You don’t want to take the chance that the mechanic is actually the seller’s buddy who may be willing to fudge information to help a friend. Always choose a mechanic you trust. You may have to foot the inspection bill yourself, but it is money well-spent.
  • Never complete a private sale without a receipt. It doesn’t matter if the receipt is written in crayon on a piece of toilet paper. A receipt is needed to prove what you paid, when you paid it, and to verify the condition of the car. Make sure both you and the seller sign and date the receipt. A receipt may make or break your case in civil court.

 

Signs you need to walk away:

  • The seller can’t produce a title.
  • The title the seller produces looks sketchy.
  • The title shows a lien on the car whose status the seller won’t or can’t verify.
  • There are signs of water damage in the car (new upholstery, rust under the seats, waterlines).
  • The car has fresh paint (a sign of covering up damage after an accident).
  • The 17-digit VIN on the dashboard doesn’t match the VIN on the car door (a sign the car was stolen).
  • There are signs of fluid leaks around the car which is an indicator of a major problem.
  • The seller is jerking you around when it comes to arranging an meeting, test drive, or inspection with a mechanic. If the seller has nothing to hide, then he or she should be willing to work with you.

When it comes to a private used car sale, check the laws in your state by visiting your DMV’s website or calling your local DMV chapter. Remember to always take safeguards to protect yourself and don’t let the buyer pressure you in any way. Be prepared to negotiate and be prepared to walk away. If you put yourself first, you should be able to successfully buy a safe used car from koopercars.com seller.