Tips for buying a second-hand car privately

Buying a second-hand car directly from a private seller can be tempting. Without dealer mark-ups, the savings can be significant. But as consumer experts warn, those savings can disappear quickly if buyers don’t do their homework.

Ernest North, co-founder of Naked Insurance, unpacked the key risks and the essential checks buyers should never skip when entering a private vehicle deal.

Do your pricing homework

Before viewing any vehicle, thorough online research is essential. Comparing prices across major car sales platforms helps buyers understand what a fair price looks like for a specific model, mileage and condition.

North cautions against limiting searches to one city. Looking at listings across South Africa gives a clearer sense of national price trends. Once a potential purchase is identified, the vehicle must be seen in person to assess whether its condition matches the asking price.

See the car, drive the car, inspect the car

One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is purchasing a vehicle without physically inspecting or test-driving it. Unlike dealership purchases, private sales offer no protection under the Consumer Protection Act.

To reduce risk, North strongly recommends spending a few thousand rand on a professional inspection through services such as DEKRA or the AA. An independent assessment can flag mechanical issues that may otherwise only surface months later.

Just as important is checking the paperwork. Buyers should insist on seeing the original green registration certificate and carefully verify that the VIN on the document matches the VIN on the vehicle itself.

Ask the right questions – and get answers in writing

Service history is critical, particularly for vehicles with relatively low mileage. Cars should ideally have been serviced on schedule by accredited providers. Buyers should also ask about accident history, mileage and whether the car was used for commercial purposes.

Crucially, verbal assurances are not enough. North advises getting confirmations in writing, including service history and accident disclosures. A simple written checklist, signed by the seller, can provide vital protection if disputes arise later.

Safety, identity and payment

Personal safety should never be overlooked. Test drives and viewings should take place in public, well-lit areas, and buyers should consider taking someone along.

Buyers are also entitled to verify the seller’s identity. Checking an ID or driver’s licence when completing ownership transfer documents helps prevent fraud and administrative headaches.

When it comes to payment, cash transactions are strongly discouraged. Electronic payments are safer and easier to trace. If cash is unavoidable, it should only be handled at a bank branch where it can be verified on the spot.

Private vehicle sales can offer real value, but only if buyers protect themselves at every step. As North emphasises, a small upfront investment in checks and paperwork can prevent costly consequences down the line.

For more information, listen to North using the audio player below: