Buying A Secondhand Car Privately -

: "Why are you selling, Joe?" Leo asked. Joe’s answer about downsizing felt honest, but Leo still verified the VIN on his phone to check for hidden accident records or salvage titles. The Test Drive: Feeling the Road

The mechanic gave a thumbs up, but the most dangerous part remained: the title. buying a secondhand car privately

With Joe in the passenger seat, Leo took the hatch for a spin. : "Why are you selling, Joe

: They drafted a Bill of Sale . Since most private sales are "as-is," Leo knew that once he drove off, any "broken halves" belonged to him alone. With Joe in the passenger seat, Leo took

Leo knew better than to meet at night; shadows are great for hiding mismatched paint and oil leaks. He met Joe at a busy grocery store parking lot at noon.

: Leo asked to see Joe’s ID and compared it to the name on the car's title. If they didn't match, or if there was an undisclosed lien (an unpaid loan), the deal was off.