State

Select

All States

City

Select

All City

Make

Select

Make

Model

Select

Model

  • No Make Selected

Price Under

Select

Price Under

Mileage

Select

Mileage

Used Hatchbacks for Sale by Owner in Washington

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit

Price

$3,000

2020 NISSAN LEAF

Price

$13,999

Paying too much on

Few minutes may you save hundreds

*T&C Applied

Please enter a valid 5-digit ZIP code
icon

2002 Ford Focus

Price

$1,500

2016 Lexus CT

Price

$10,995

2006 Honda Ridgeline

Price

$5,500

2005 Honda Civic

Price

$2,000

2000 Ford Ranger

Price

$3,450

1995 BMW 3 Series

Price

$13,500

2003 Honda Pilot

Price

$3,000

2002 Mercury Mountaineer

Price

$4,000

2012 Honda Civic

Price

$4,500

Price

$6,000

2011 Lincoln Town Car

Price

$11,500

2008 Ford Fusion

Price

$5,000

2017 BMW X1

Price

$13,500

Price

$39,900

2010 MAZDA Mazda3

Price

$9,000

2022 BUICK Encore

Price

$22,000

2012 TOYOTA Camry

Price

$7,750

2012 Toyota Camry

Price

$8,000

2008 Honda Ridgeline

Price

$4,999

2015 TOYOTA Camry

Price

$14,000

2010 Ford Explorer

Price

$1,300

Price

$31,000

2011 BMW 5 Series

Price

$11,500

2010 Nissan Sentra

Price

$750

2015 Tesla S

Price

$17,500

2022 Toyota RAV4

Price

$33,000

2018 MINI Countryman

Price

$20,000

FAQs about Cars for Sale by Owner

What is the most important document when buying a car from a private seller? toggle

The most important document is the Certificate of Title (often called the pink slip), which is the legal proof of ownership. Never buy a vehicle without seeing the original title. Ensure the seller’s name on their driver’s license matches the name printed on the title. If the names do not match, or if the seller says they will "mail it later," do not proceed with the sale.

How do I verify that the car has a "clean" title? toggle

Most of our vehicles include a KarReport Vehicle History Report that provides details about the title type. Check for any "branded" titles, which indicate the vehicle was previously salvaged, flooded, or rebuilt. You may also purchase a KarReport through our platform to learn more about the vehicle’s full history.

Is a Bill of Sale required for private party transactions? toggle

While requirements vary slightly by state, it is always best practice to have a Bill of Sale. Even if your state DMV does not strictly require it for title transfer, it serves as your official receipt and legal proof of purchase. It should include the date of sale, purchase price, VIN, vehicle make and model, and the signatures of both buyer and seller.

Who do I pay sales tax to? toggle

In most states, you do not pay sales tax to the private seller. Instead, you pay the applicable state and local sales tax directly to your state DMV or tax office when registering the vehicle and transferring the title. The tax is typically calculated based on the purchase price or the vehicle’s fair market value.

Should I get a mechanic's inspection before buying? toggle

Yes, absolutely. Private party sales are typically "as-is," meaning there is no warranty. Once you purchase the vehicle, any mechanical issues become your responsibility. Always arrange a pre-purchase inspection at a trusted repair shop. This small upfront cost can save you thousands of dollars in future repairs.

What is the safest way to pay a private seller? toggle

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or using untraceable wire transfers. The safest payment method is usually a cashier’s check issued by your bank. For added security, meet the seller at a local bank branch to complete the transaction.

Can I drive the car home with the seller's license plates? toggle

In most states, license plates remain with the seller or must be surrendered to the DMV upon sale. You generally cannot legally drive using the seller’s plates. Check your local laws; many states require obtaining a temporary operating permit (transit tag) before driving the vehicle home.

Do I need insurance before I drive the car away? toggle

Yes. You must have valid auto insurance before driving on public roads. If you already have insurance, your policy may temporarily extend coverage to a new vehicle for a short grace period (typically 7–30 days). However, always confirm this with your insurance provider before driving.

What are the first steps after I buy the car? toggle

After completing the purchase, your immediate next steps are: Insure it — ensure your insurance policy is active; Register it — visit your local DMV or tag office to pay taxes, transfer the title, and obtain license plates; Inspect it — complete any required safety or emissions inspections so registration can be finalized.

Browse By Makes

Browse By States

Browse By Types & States