This list was compiled to help you better understand the process of buying a used car from a private
seller in California. The advantage of buying from a private party is that you may find a really good deal
(a good inexpensive car). The disadvantage is that it is more time and effort consuming.
If you want to buy a new car from a dealer, you may still find this list useful.
1) Find an advertisement for a good car. Use LA Times Sunday editions, online resources.
The best way to find an ad is probably the CraigsList.
Although a blue book will give you estimates for prices, don't take them too seriously.
A year is not as important as how many miles the car has gone.
2) When talking to a seller, ask for a VIN number and find out when the smog check was done.
Smog check is a seller's responsibility. If a car doesn't pass the check, you will probably
have to repair it later, which may easily cost up to a few hundred dollars.
3) Check VIN at Carfax or Autocheck. These require a subscription. For $25 you get
30 and 60 days of access correspondingly. Avoid cars with strange history:
salvaged, restored, flooded etc. cars. The best car is the one being sold by the first owner.
4) Check a smog history.
5) Go see a car and test drive. Take it to the freeway. Drive over a few speedbumps.
Suspension - should not swing like a pendulum up and down when you push down on it.
Oscillations should damp after the first swing. Otherwise the amortization is broken.
Brakes - should not produce any squeaky sounds.
Acceleration - should be adequate for the car of a given horsepower.
Pay attention to how the engine sounds.
Check for body dents and damages. Every damage is your bargain.
6) Take the car to a mechanic to check for hidden problems. This usually costs about $25 and is the last
step before you decide to buy a car. If a mechanic finds something that needs to be repaired right away,
ask him for a quote and use it to negotiate the price with a seller for the last time.
7) Arrange for transfer of ownership. You will likely have to pay tax! Useful links Description of car buying steps
Best insurance as of 2006 -Mercury. Allstate, Progressive, AAA are increasingly more expensive.
Fuel economy of different cars.
Learn about salvaged cars
Note: Some companies like AAA, Allstate provide a type of membership where they would tow your car and
provide other assistance in case of trouble. AAA has many other useful things, like help with car registration,
travel guides etc...
If you have any comments, drop a line to grudinin(at)caltech.edu
