Tell A New Guy How To Buy A Car

[IAmGary]

Perhaps this is not the right forum for this, if so then I apologize.

I've never bought a car by private sale before and I could really use some advice so I don't get ripped off or look foolish. My questions:

1) How do I pay? A personal cheque? Cashiers cheque? Cash?
2) How do I negotiate a PPI? Should I make a deposit (again, cash or cheque?) and ask to take the car for a couple days?

Thanks in advance for the information everyone!

[Swanny]

I'd enlist a nigerian prince to help out...


Honestly get a trust worthy mechanic to look at it if you're new to car buying. Research on nadaguides.com and edmunds.com to get an good idea on price and start the haggle from there. Test drive and all that jazz and hope that the seller keeps good records.

[IAmGary]

I have a great mechanic so that's covered. How about method of payment? Cash? Cheque? Also, is it typical to give a deposit or cheque if I'm taking the car for a PPI?

Thanks!

[mbonanni]

Paid in cash for mine..

Also I don't think sites like edmunds will price an e30 correctly. I do not think they are up to date on the rising popularity of the cars, but i couls be wrong.

[z31maniac]

PPI, or a friend/board member who is capable of checking one out. I'll bet someone is in your area who would check out a car for a case of beer or nice bottle of booze.

As for payment, whatever you feel comfortable with. Not a bad idea to meet at your bank, pay in cash or check, get the bill of sale/title notarized while you are there.

[IAmGary]

Do you think a seller will give cash back if you get a PPI and don't want the car afterwards? Sounds like cash is the usual method of payment. True?

[z31maniac]

Do you think a seller will give cash back if you get a PPI and don't want the car afterwards? Sounds like cash is the usual method of payment. True?

Unlikely, unless you agree that he is paying before hand.

[2761377]

any seller of integrity will cooperate with a PPI as long as you are paying a reputable shop to do it. if not, don't buy the car. you shouldn't need to give a deposit to arrange a PPI.

cash talks, all you need in return is the signed over title.

be aware of the seller's vibe- if you're not feeling it have the sack to walk.

hth,
robert w.

[evandael]

for these cars, pay in cash. but if the seller is acting shady or unwilling, it's very telling of their character or the true condition of the car. it's a great way to get a read on things.

[ZM Blue Devil]

depends on the car, you buying a 1k e30 or a 10k e30?

[Swanny]

Paid in cash for mine..

Also I don't think sites like edmunds will price an e30 correctly. I do not think they are up to date on the rising popularity of the cars, but i couls be wrong.

I like their true cost to own feature. basically runs through factory maintenance and yearly cost if you take it to a dealership to get repaired. Honestly not too sure if demand/popularity is entered into their calculations but I'd assume there's something regarding availability of 20+ year old cars.

But its a good place to see "market" values and can cut some fat off a bad sellers price.

[Wh33lhop]

Paid in cash for mine..

Also I don't think sites like edmunds will price an e30 correctly. I do not think they are up to date on the rising popularity of the cars, but i couls be wrong.

Recipe for modern E30 pricing:

(KBB value / KBB value) *fourteenkaydollarays

[mbonanni]

Recipe for modern E30 pricing:

(KBB value / KBB value) *fourteenkaydollarays

Lol.

[dchun]

I always recommend cash. Really depends on what kind of cars you are buying.
I usually bring the amount I'm willing to pay for a car and a bill of sale with me. Ive had great success with getting cars for way lower than asking price with this strategy.
It's a good way to negotiate since some sellers want to complete a sale quickly.

then again I do my own ppi so this might not work if you need extra time to arrange one

[VANOS714]

are you serious? do you pay with fake money too? lol