| Every year millions of Australian used cars are | | | | The absence of a VIN number strongly suggests |
| purchased privately direct from the owner. While this | | | | that the car has assumed the identity of someone |
| can often be the best way to achieve the best buy | | | | else, probably because it has been stolen before. |
| and bargains, it can also become very expensive in | | | | Consider Car Registration Check. This includes a full |
| cases when you find out that the car has a number | | | | description of the used car, including engine size and |
| of problems and/or a previously unknown owner | | | | date of first registration, so you can be sure of what |
| history. | | | | you are buying. It will also tell you whether the used |
| First, research about your desired car. Check free | | | | car has a finance agreement recorded against it, if |
| classified ads, free car listings, and trade guides to | | | | the car has been written off, and whether the car |
| get a good idea of car pricing and used car values. | | | | has had any number plate or colour changes. |
| Car classifieds such as au, au, au, and are excellent | | | | The power of silence in negotiations. The chances |
| guides and resources for buying used cars privately. | | | | are that at some point you'll enter into negotiations |
| Once you have decided on which used car you'd like | | | | over the price. A good place to check for used car |
| to buy after your used car search, and have found a | | | | values and car pricings are at Have both a highest |
| possible seller, then it's time to Arrange for a car | | | | price and a target price in mind before entering into |
| inspection, preferably at daytime. Of course, you'd | | | | negotiations. If your two offers are some way apart, |
| want to inspect and scrutinize the used car carefully, | | | | you try not to say anything. Used car dealers use |
| so insist only on daylight. | | | | this tactic all the time as people find silence |
| Take a friend along with you, preferably someone | | | | uncomfortable. Try this and the seller will often |
| knowledgeable about cars and their workings. If | | | | suggest meeting half way, at which point you can |
| problems occur in the future it helps that you have a | | | | propose meeting half way between your offer and |
| witness available to validate what was said. | | | | the new offer, getting yourself a better deal. |
| Check that the used car for sale has not been | | | | Finally, if you really are interested in the used car, |
| 'clocked'. The average and normal kilometre range is | | | | consider having it independently checked by a |
| about 20,000 kilometres a year. Of course, most | | | | reputable garage or the RACV. Reputable sellers will |
| used car dealers replace the tyres. So if the used car | | | | understand this, so be wary of owners of used cars |
| has new tyres and you still can't trust the odometer | | | | for sale who decline your request. It may be time to |
| readings, ask the owner for details of the car's | | | | look elsewhere. |
| servicing history. | | | | _________________________________ |
| Always go for a test drive. However, make sure that | | | | Wondering where have all the best used cars gone? |
| you are insured to do so. Iif the seller says that he | | | | Come to |
| has cover, ask to see his policy. | | | | OzFreeOnline is Australia's largest, search-engine |
| Carefully check the service log book. In particular, | | | | friendly, and free online classifieds. If you want |
| look for the chassis number, known as the vehicle | | | | instant results for your ads, be a member now for |
| identification number (VIN). This is usually located on | | | | free. |
| a small plate on the driver's door or in the engine bay. | | | | |