5 Checks To Do Before Buying a Car from a Friend or Family Member
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Levi Leidy
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Good news: Your friend or family member wants to sell you their old car at a great price! Not-as-good news: You still need to go through some basic actions and inspections just to make sure you’re both covered and this is the right car for you. But where to start?
GOBankingRates spoke with car experts about exactly what you should do before buying a car from a loved one. Here are the five checks to do before buying a car from a friend or family member.
Don’t Skip the Inspection, Even If It’s Grandma’s Car
You might think Aunt Edna would never sell you a lemon, but even she might not know about that ticking time bomb under the hood. Evaldas Zabitis, automotive expert at carVertical, puts it bluntly: “A proper inspection is necessary. Whether you’re buying a car from an old friend or your mother, a thorough inspection should be understandable by both sides.”
But what if you wouldn’t know a carburetor from a carburettor? (Spoiler: They’re the same thing, one’s just British.) Fear not! Chris Pyle, a JustAnswer auto expert, has your back. “If you decide to take the vehicle to a shop to be inspected high and low, inside and out, they would likely charge two hours for this which would be around $300,” he said.
For the more mechanically inclined (you know, the type who changes their own oil and judges those who don’t), Pyle suggests a DIY approach. “Google images has many checklists to print off, showing all things that need to be checked beyond kicking tires and checking the engine oil dipstick.”
The ‘But You Told Me About That’ Clause
Remember when your buddy mentioned that “tiny scratch” on the fender last year? Yeah, about that. Zabitis warns, “There’s a chance that you already know about that windshield crack or a strange noise coming from the engine they told you about some time ago. Ask what’s the current state of the known issues and check them yourself.”
In other words, that “tiny scratch” might now be big enough to park a bike in. Trust, but verify – you want to make sure you have all the information before actually buying the car.
Spill the Beans on Your Car Dreams
Before you sign on the dotted line, have a heart-to-heart with the seller. Zabitis advises, “Make sure that they know why you’re buying a car. For instance, if you tell them you’re buying a car for a long road trip, they’ll probably think twice about any problems that may arise, ensuring more transparency.”
So if your plans involve a cross-country trip with five Great Danes, now’s the time to mention it. Your seller might suddenly remember that the air conditioning only works when Mercury is in retrograde.
Paperwork: Because ‘We’re Family’ Doesn’t Hold Up in Court
You might share DNA (or at least a few awkward Thanksgivings), but when it comes to car sales, treat it like you’re dealing with a stranger. “Regardless of how much you trust that person, always fill out all the required paperwork appropriately,” said Zabitis.
This isn’t just about covering your rear bumper legally. As Zabitis points out, “Incorrect prices in the proof of purchase or ignoring other issues can lead to heated conflicts even between family members.”
The Ghost of Fenders Past
Even if Uncle Bob swears on his favorite fishing lure that the car’s never seen so much as a fender bender, it’s time to channel your inner detective. Pyle recommends: “A paid-for car fax report can help to see the history of the vehicle maintenance if it was reported at service facilities. You will also get current recalls and info on prior collisions.”
It’s like a background check, but for cars. You might discover that sweet little sedan had a wild past life as a demolition derby champion. (Probably not, but that’s why we check.)
The Hands-On Approach
If you’re feeling brave (or just frugal), Pyle offers a DIY inspection checklist that would make MacGyver proud.
“Check the fluids, not so much the level but the color and odor, and confirm all lights and electronics work inside and out. Check jambs for rough feel from overspray indicating it has been repainted. Check the steering, suspension and brakes on a test drive, doing some swerving events and hitting some bumps. Try the transmission in all gears confirming it shifts well when doing a slow, moderate and hard acceleration.”
Just maybe warn your seller before you start swerving and hitting bumps – that way you’re both sure this is the right car for you.
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