Tips for Motorists

Things to Consider When Buying a Car from a Private Seller
 
Although we focus on scientific research the team is also passionate about ordinary motoring and road travel for the family. One of the most salient challenges we face is picking the car that's right for us. A lot of people jump into using sites like Craigslist or AutoTrader to find a car, and that's great if you don’t want to go to a dealership, but it also comes with added risks. Of course, if you do go to a dealership, make sure it’s a reputable one like Pitre Buick GMC so you don’t get ripped off. Buying a car from a private seller is great because sometimes the seller is really motivated to sell it, and you might get a great deal. But sometimes it can go wrong, and you can be left up a creek without a paddle as your car has tons of problems that weren’t disclosed. In any case, be absolutely sure that you consider these things when you buy a car from a private seller.
 
PPI
 
When you find a car that you like from a private seller, you need to make sure you get a PPI (otherwise known as a pre-purchase inspection). A PPI typically costs anywhere from $50 to $100, and will let you know everything that’s up with the car in consideration. If you have a mechanic that you’ve always gone too, take it there because they might give you a great deal on a PPI. If the PPI discovers something that the seller wasn’t disclosing, it might be a good idea to pass on that car, or at the very least ask if the seller will fix it or reduce the asking price. If you don’t have a mechanic that you use constantly, take the car to a dealership to get a PPI. It’s the smartest thing you do before buying a car from a private seller, so spend that extra cash for peace of mind with your new vehicle.
 

Title
 
See a car online that seems too good to be true? It probably is. You might see a newer model year car for half the price than what the Kelley Blue Bookvalue says, and it even looks like it’s in great condition. If this is the case, the car might have a salvaged title. A salvaged title means the car was in a serious car accident, and there may be some structural damage on the inside. For example, as nice as it looks on the outside, the frame may have suffered some irreparable damage. Be very cautious when considering a car with a salvaged title.
 
Vehicle History Reports
 
Many dealerships already include vehicle history reports when you look at cars, but there’s a big chance that a private seller won’t just show you the Carfax. Before agreeing to purchase a car from a private seller, check out the vehicle history report to make sure that it has a clean title and has always had constant service. You should be able to see the vehicle’s service history all the way back to when and where it was first sold, so get the vehicle history report for the most up to date information on the car you may be purchasing. Feel free to get in touch if you're interested in more tips from the team!
 
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