Help buying from a Private seller.
 

Hi guys. Got a few questions about buying from a private seller. I have no idea how the process is going to work. Well, first off, this person has his car on cars.com priced at $30500. It is fully loaded 2011 PW. Manual btw. The condition of the car seems fine from the pictures. Do you guys think it's a good deal? I planned to visit him some time this week. Could you guys give me some ideas on how the private sales are done? He said the car is paid off and ready to transter? I wasn't sure what he meant. And is the tax(I live in MD and the guys is in VA) going to be applied?

Thank you guys in advance :)

First, post the following info, or link the web page

Trim level
Mileage
Manual/Auto
Optional equipment
Aftermarket equipment
Maintenance history
Clean or dirty Carfax

To verify the condition of the car:

1) carfax
2) Schedule a pre purchase inspection (PPI).
3 Test drive it.
4) Learn common issues with this car, look for them during test drive.

You should go test drive a brand new 370z as a reference before testing this used one. Back to back comparison is the best way to spot anomaly.

Finance:
-I assume you got your own financing options lined up
-I think the seller meant he doesn't owe money to bank, so he has title to the car and you will pay him instead of dealing with a bank
-Download a bill of sale, execute when sale occurs. Document should record relevant info, stating the condition(make model mileage vin#, etc) of the car, transaction terms and amount, buyer and seller info (DL info, contact info)

General things
-see the car in day light
-find a safe and mutual location to meet up, at least for the first time.

What I can think of for now, I'm sure many others will help ya out. Hope you get your car soon and best of luck!

It's difficult to provide a fair assessment on a vehicle without seeing it in person. You should check out these sites to get an idea how much that Z is really worth:

Official Kelley Blue Book New Car and Used Car Prices and Values

NADA Home Page

Assuming the car really is in great shape, fairly priced, and you're set on purchasing it, you need to:

1. Decide how you will pay for it (with or without financial assistance)
2. Get the bank check, personal check, or money order ready for the payment
3. Get insurance on the vehicle starting the day you take delivery
4. Go to your local DMV to get a temporary plate prior to taking delivery (so you can drive it back)

Just ask the DMV folks what you need to get the vehicle registered. It's usually just the Bill of Sale for tax purposes, proof of insurance, proof of title (if applicable), proof of lien paperwork (if applicable), and some sort of vehicle registration transfer form.

It seems confusing, but it's really simple. I would start by giving the DMV a call for all your questions. Of course, make sure that Z is the right one for you. Maybe I'm forgetting something, but I'm pretty sure that's the gist of it.

nvm didn't read the part about different state, so the test drive and meeting up part may not be that relevant.

Is the seller a member here?

Forgot to add...Insurance....if you are driving it back, your signed bill of sale should serve as proof of ownership in case you get pulled over. And you also need to call your insurance ahead of time, you should be able to get some kind of temporary coverage.

I bought a 2011 PW with sport package and 4300 miles from a dealer for 25,900 and it had a flawless carfax report. If its a touring then it's slightly more expensive, but I feel like you should still be able to get it cheaper than the price you stated. Good luck

Sorry guys i thought i stated how much miles etc. but i guess i forgot lol. Had too many questions i wanted to ask hehe. It's got proper manual transmission with ~14000 miles and it's fully loaded. I dont know what extras it has and the guy told me no mods except shift knob. Also i think i pretty much know about this car lol. Been looking forward to buy a z for almost 4 years now haha(and i've been lurking this website whole time lol). Just wanted to get more opinions from more people hehe. Saying that the car is in good condition, do you guys think it's priced fairly?

You stole that one :tup:

Excellent advise so far. I'm in the same boat as you.

Since you're buying from a private seller, I suggest requesting to take the vehicle to a shop to perform a complete inspection before you hand over any money, other than that, good luck and enjoy!

Thank you guys :) hope this goes well so i could finally get the z(failed 3 times with different dealers negotiating fml lol)