Used-car buying checklist for private-party purchases

Before you meet the seller

Set a firm budget and research the vehicle's value and history. Compare the year, trim, mileage, condition, and local prices. A history report can reveal title brands or past records, but it does not replace an inspection.

Meet in a safe public place. Ask for clear photos, maintenance records, the title, and the vehicle identification number before you travel. Be cautious if the seller will not show the title or wants to ship the car.

Check the title, VIN, and seller

Compare the VIN on the dashboard and door label with the VIN on the title. The seller's name should match the owner shown on the title. Check for liens and do not accept an altered or incomplete title.

State agencies warn buyers about curbstoners — unlicensed dealers who pose as private sellers to move cars without the disclosures a dealer owes you. Maryland MVA publishes guidance on spotting them, and the general rule holds everywhere: do not buy from a private seller who does not hold the title in their own name.

Inspect and test the car

• Book a pre-purchase inspection with an independent licensed mechanic.
• Test the lights, gauges, windows, locks, seats, wipers, climate controls, and other electronics.
• Look for leaks, rust, uneven tire wear, mismatched paint, damp carpet, or musty odors.
• Ask for service records and confirm that the spare tire, jack, and wheel-lock key are present when applicable.

Complete the sale and state paperwork

Record the price, date, vehicle details, odometer reading, buyer, seller, and signatures in a bill of sale. Complete the title exactly as your motor-vehicle agency requires and keep copies of every record.

Every state sets its own insurance, inspection, tax, title, tag, and registration steps, and they differ more than most buyers expect. Review the official instructions for the state where you will register the vehicle before money changes hands.