Colorado Car Buying: How to Save Thousands by Skipping the Dealership
For many informed buyers, purchasing a vehicle from a private seller is an excellent opportunity to save a considerable amount of money while avoiding the myriad of fees that a dealership will attempt to charge. If you're searching for cars for sale by owner in Colorado, understanding the process is critical to ensuring that your experience is safe, successful, and without issues.
This buyer's guide will explain the benefits of purchasing a vehicle from a private party. Plus, we will provide valuable guidance for locating, inspecting, and safely buying your next vehicle.
The Benefits of Private Party Car Purchases
There are several compelling reasons to choose to purchase a vehicle from a private seller instead of a normal dealership.
Lower Prices
A dealership has overhead, such as store rent, salesperson salaries, and advertising. These expenses get passed on to the consumer in the price of the vehicle as a markup. By going directly to the third party, you may save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars for the same used vehicle. Private sellers are not operating a large business; they usually have a more straightforward price.
Increased Negotiation Room
A dealership has sales managers and a bottom number they won't go below. A private seller is often more flexible with their price. They are usually more focused on selling their one vehicle, rather than hitting a sales goal. Use that as leverage to talk about price, and possibly lower your payment.
Unique and Special Vehicles Available
Are you looking for a particular rare model, a classic car, or a vehicle that has been customized? When looking for a car, private sellers have a much broader selection than a dealer lot often has. Part of how the search is broadened is the ability to find a car with the right details and history for you.
Get Started Looking with Karkiosk
When you're ready to find a used car for sale by owner, you need a good place to view the listings. Karkiosk serves the purpose of making that step quick and easy.
What is Karkiosk Doing Differently?
Custom Listings: Karkiosk was designed to be a platform for private party sales, providing buyers with a concentrated hub of local listings all in one place in Colorado.
Trustworthy Sellers: Each listing includes the essential information regarding the car and the owner, helping you find a seller that you trust to buy a car from.
Simple Search Tools: Utilizing easy-to-use filters, and advanced search options, finding the car of your dreams is like a walk in the park.
Using a custom-built option, like Karkiosk, saves you time and a headache, making your car shopping experience smooth and easy, so you can focus on finding the right car.
Key Documents for Buying a Car from a Private Seller in Colorado
Now that you have found your next ride, and have already agreed on pricing with the seller, you probably are wondering, what now? The next step you must complete is gathering the correct documents to legally sell the car with the sale taking place in Colorado.
What you will need:
Title Transfer: The seller will be required to sign and date the vehicle title to officially complete the transfer of ownership from the seller to you. Also, it's a good idea to verify all of the information listed on the title is correct.
Bill of Sale: Colorado requires a bill of sale. This document must include the buyer's and seller's details, the sale price agreed upon, and the date of sale.
Emissions Test Report: Depending on the county, you may need to obtain a recent, passing emissions test report from the seller.
Odometer Disclosure Statement: For vehicles less than ten years old, the odometer mileage must be documented on the disclosure statement contained in the title or on a separate document.
VIN Verification Form: If the vehicle is from outside Colorado, you will need to obtain a verification of a VIN to register it in Colorado.
Having all of your documents lined up is vital for a seamless transaction and will help avoid potential issues down the road.
Don't Skip on the Full Inspection
This process may be the most important step when buying from a private seller. As the buyer, it is your job to perform due diligence and evaluate the condition of the vehicle prior to handing over any money!
Inspecting the Car Like a Pro
Hire a Licensed Mechanic: A qualified mechanic will be the best way to acquire a professional assessment through a pre-purchase inspection (PPI), which will give you an expert opinion, meaning they will be able to see hidden problems that might lead to costly repairs.
Tires and Brakes: Examine the tread depth on the tires, ensuring even wear. Test driving, with the brakes applied, if you heard any grinding or squealing noises then that should be investigated.
Look Inside the Engine: Look for any fluid leaks (oil, coolant, etc.). The engine parts should be somewhat cleaned and well taken care of.
Take It for a Test Drive: Notice the way the car accelerates, handles, and stops, while listening for any loud noises or vibrations from the engine, suspension, or exhaust system.
A complete inspection will significantly lower your risk of purchase and allows you to more confidently make the purchase.
How to Make a Safer Transaction
While meeting a stranger for a big purchase can pose some level of risk, the most important thing you can do is be conscious of your security.
Safe Payment and Safe Exchange Suggestions
Meet in a Public Place: Decide to meet in an open, busy, well-lit public location. The parking lot of a bank, police station, or busy coffee shop would all be good options.
Bring Someone with You: Having someone you know with you helps to make the process safer.
Verify Payment: If you will be paying with cash, make sure you count the money in front of the seller. If you will be paying electronically, be sure to use a secure app, and note that it is complete before exchanging the vehicle.
Review All Paperwork: Be sure to double-check that any paperwork, especially for the title transfer and bill of sale, is completely filled out and accurate before you leave.
Overall, your security should be your top priority. Taking these precautions will help ensure that you will not run into any issues once you complete your transaction.
The Value of a Vehicle History Report
Every car has a story, and a history report will better tell you that story. Signing up for a reputable service, such as CARFAX, will provide thorough readouts on the car's past ownership, accidents, and any loans against the vehicle.
They Help to Avoid Major Red Flags
Accident and Damage History: A report can clearly show if the car had a substantial accident, is flood damaged, or has a salvage title—information you may not get from the seller.
Check for Recalls: You can see if the car has any active manufacturer recalls that might affect the safety and performance of the vehicle.
Verify Mileage Accuracy: Have peace of mind that the mileage on the odometer is true and can be verified instead of illegally rolled back.
Buying a vehicle history report can help with these precautions and offer some reassurance that the car you are buying is the vehicle you thought you were buying. The private party car market can be a fun way to find your next vehicle in Colorado. You will likely find cool, unique cars, negotiate a better price, and avoid dealer fees, so this is a great way to find a new vehicle!
A tool such as Karkiosk, no matter whether you are a pro or just know how to properly look and inspect a car, will allow you the opportunity to feel confident as you build your next vehicle!
