At least sebvw did do the smart thing and got a PPI and I can only urge anyone to always get one if you're seriously considering buying a used car. Even from dealers and even if the history checks out and the car looks to be in great shape. I've had two occasions where a PPI on an otherwise seemingly perfect car revealed enough for me to not even consider it anymore.
Here's a run-down of my car-buying process for anyone who's interested in such a thing:
- Prefer private sellers or dealers that do not offer financing. They're actually in the business of selling cars and not just use cars as vehicles (no pun intended) to sell loans.
- Communicate with the seller. Give your name and location and use whole sentences and be polite (I know I don't have to point out the last two in this forum). Ask any questions and ask them to please get back to you if they don't have the answer. Get a VIN.
- Pull a vehicle history report. When I'm serious about it I get both, Carfax and Auto Check. I've had things revealed in one that weren't in the other. I usually start with Carfax and if that doesn't reveal anything concerning and I am more serious about that specific car I also pull the Auto Check.
- Google the VIN and contact previous owners if you can find any. Most are happy to have a chat about a car they liked and help you not get screwed. Be polite and call at a reasonable time.
- Use any information in the reports, from your web search, and from the previous owners to find out more about things that look and/or sound odd (I've dug up an accident report from a Sheriff's website for an old lady forgetting to put it in park and slowly rolling into a wall, scratching the bumper, so nothing to worry about that accident)
- If all that checks out and your gut and brain both say it's a good candidate (and I mean good gut feeling and no doubt in your mind), get a PPI. If the seller does not allow it, move on.
- Based on the outcome of the PPI research potential repairs and research the car's value based on its current state and with the repairs done, set your maximum price. Be reasonable and think about what you should reasonably expect if you were on the other side of the deal. Stick with it.
- If the seller isn't willing to sell for that price, move on. Only pay what a car is really worth unless of course there is sentimental value that is worth more to you than just the rational one.
- Always keep in mind that nothing is guaranteed when buying a used car and have a realistic budget for future repairs, especially for our beloved Audis.
- If the seller was polite and reasonable, but you just didn't see eye to eye on the price, consider giving them what you found in your research to help them sell their car. You won't have any use for it and it's always good to be kind.
I have yet to come by any issues with any vehicles I've bought using that process. Of course I wasn't always this thorough and have learned from my mistakes...
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