by Andrew Rohrlich
Are you planning on buying a car through CarGurus private seller? It's an attractive option as private sellers may be able to offer vehicles at lower prices than dealerships or rental companies.
In this article, you’ll learn the step-by-step process of buying from private sellers on CarGurus. You’ll also get tips on scheduling a pre-purchase inspection, understanding different vehicle listings, working out the price, and other critical things you should check before taking possession of your vehicle. With the right information and preparation, you can be confident that your purchase will be safe, secure, and successful.
What Is CarGurus?
CarGurus is a great platform for people looking to buy or sell used cars. It has been around since 2006 and is one of the most used car shopping websites in the United States between 2017 and 2021. The website makes the buying and selling process easy by pre-screening vehicles, researching accurate pricing data, and empowering used car shoppers with expert feedback.
CarGurus' search features allow buyers to search for cars based on make, model, year, price range, and other criteria. It also provides reviews from other users who have purchased cars from private sellers using the site’s services. CarGurus helps ensure that both buyers and sellers end up with a fair deal, providing shoppers confidence when making their purchase decision.
Starting the Buying Process
CarGurus provides an easy, efficient, and transparent car buying process to help you find your perfect car. With their sophisticated search technology, you can sort through millions of CarGurus used cars for sale listings from all over the country and get the best possible matches for your needs.
Follow the hassle-free step-by-step CarGurus buying process below to get started on finding your dream car.
Research the Car You're Interested In
Get started by searching for cars in your area, filtering the results to match your needs, and getting instant market value pricing from CarGurus Instant Market Value™. Narrow down your options further using filtered search criteria like mileage, transmission type, and condition. Then, save up to hundreds off the list price by finding great local deals.
When you're ready, reach out directly to the private seller of the car you've chosen for more details. Beyond that, trust CarGurus for price and payment estimators to get a better understanding of your budget and how much a vehicle may cost each month.
Find Your Dream Car on CarGurus
If you're on a mission to find your dream car, then CarGurus can take a good deal of the legwork out of the equation. With just a few clicks, you can access thousands of private sellers offering makes and models that cover every taste and budget.
You can easily compare prices and features after narrowing your search as well as get professional reviews and expert insights. The CarGurus approach ensures that all the information you need is thoroughly presented, saving time and money.
Schedule a Pre-Purchase Inspection With the Private Owner
If you are considering buying a car through CarGurus private seller, it's always a good idea to have a qualified technician inspect the vehicle before making the purchase. A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) will give you peace of mind knowing that any potential issues with the car have been discovered.
PPIs are typically conducted onsite at the owner's location as this allows for full access to all areas of the vehicle, including engine components and other important systems. As such, both buyer and seller must agree on a time and location which is convenient for both parties. This can usually be arranged via phone and/or email prior to arranging payment for your new car.
Work Out Payment and Delivery To Close the Deal
Ensuring that you are 100% confident that you'll get the used car you want — and at the right price and terms — is the key to finalizing a deal. To close the deal in your favor, make sure to agree upon payment terms with the private seller, such as cash, check, money order, or even a wire transfer through an escrow service.
It's also important to understand how vehicle delivery will be handled. Perhaps you'll arrange for transportation/towing yourself, or the vehicle seller will be delivering it to your doorstep. Whatever it takes, make sure everything is clear so that both parties feel safe and comfortable in knowing what is expected throughout the process.
Tips for Buying a Car Through CarGurus Private Seller
CarGurus is a great resource for buying a car from a private seller. When you find the perfect car on CarGurus, follow these steps to ensure the process is done safely and efficiently.
Carefully Read Through the Listing
Choosing a car online is an attractive way to save time and money. Doing so requires that you take your time to carefully read through each listing before purchasing. Look out for features that may not be included in the ad and determine if they could weigh in on your decision.
Other vital aspects to consider include how many miles the vehicle has and how it has been cared for throughout its lifetime. Additionally, it’s wise to know how many previous owners the car had, what features it is equipped with, and how much money you'd like to spend.
Don’t forget about warranty options too; CarGurus offers several warranties that further protect you when purchasing the vehicle.
Knowing as much information about the car you’re buying can help you avoid costly mistakes. As a bonus, paying attention to the details can help you find a fantastic deal on your new vehicle. Being well informed truly pays off when it comes to selecting a great car online.
Get a Vehicle History Report Using the VIN
Knowing the full history of a vehicle before you buy it is an important step in ensuring that you get good value for your money. With the help of modern technology and advanced databases, it's easier than ever to find out the details about any vehicle with just its vehicle identification number (VIN).
A vehicle history report will provide detailed information about a specific car, such as its past owners, title registrations in different states, damage records, and more. All you have to do is enter the VIN of the vehicle into an online service that can provide you with an accurate and reliable vehicle history report quickly and easily. This information can be invaluable in assessing the background of a car before purchasing it.
Don't Be Afraid To Ask Questions
As with any transaction, it's ok to ask questions and clarify details the seller provides you. When you've found the used car of your dreams, don't be afraid to confirm that all documents are in order and request additional information on mileage, maintenance records, and how long they have owned the vehicle.
If possible, you should take the car for a test drive and ask any other questions that help you better understand the car's condition. Asking questions saves time in the end because you understand exactly what you are getting. So don't hesitate to probe until you feel satisfied. If ever something feels off or not quite right, trust your instincts and look into options elsewhere. CarGurus has plenty of cars where that came from.
Simplifying Private Party Transactions
Many buyers would find purchasing a used car an intimidating experience. However, it doesn’t have to be. Many reliable resources and services are available today to simplify the process, ensuring that everyone from the buyer to the seller remains protected.
Buying a car through CarGurus private seller can help you get started on researching potential vehicles. But, you should use caution when dealing with private sellers. Services such as Carfax and Autocheck allow buyers to research a car’s history, giving them peace of mind when signing off on a purchase.
Additionally, banks and credit unions often provide financing for private-party transactions, so buyers don't have to worry about having enough cash upfront. After closing on a vehicle, buyers should consider getting gap insurance in case an unforeseen event occurs while they're still paying off their loan. By preparing ahead of time, purchasing a used car from a private seller can be a simple and enjoyable experience.
This article was written by Andrew Rohrlich. As a brand and product marketing expert, Andrew Rohrlich has crafted products, experiences and communications for household names like Gap and for multiple automotive technology businesses. For nearly a decade Andrew has studied automotive retail in depth from a customer point of view and aggregated the industry’s best research, thought leadership and know how to provide credible and important information to auto shoppers and sellers.
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