Buyers Advantage
Park Place Park & Sell, the Fast, Easy, and Safe Way to Buy Your Next Car!
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Easy and less expensive
No sales men, ever!
Video surveillance for safety
Park Place Park & Sell Advantages
See what Park Place Park & Sell has to offer before you spend hours and hours dealing with private sellers or hopping from dealership to dealership. It’s the easier and less expensive way to buy.
Our lot has vehicles that are “For Sale By Owner.” You contact the owner at your convenience when you are ready to test drive or just have questions. No sales people and no pressure to buy, ever! Browse online or come by and see if there is something that meets your needs!
Buying from a Private Seller
Do:
• Ask for the car mileage and service records.
• Get a vehicle history report from The State of Texas DMV. This report includes the car’s prior owners, accidents, theft history, and maintenance and repair records.
• Check for recalls at www.safercar.gov.
• Look up the vehicle’s fair market value using one of our tools, like Kelley Blue Book.
• Verify the make, model, year, mileage, vehicle identification number (VIN), and condition of the car with the seller. Check the VIN on the car against the paperwork.
• Make sure the registration to the title and the seller’s ID match.
• Check the vehicle’s title for liens. • If the car is less than five years old and has fewer than 100,000 miles, call the original dealer to see if the manufacturer’s or dealer’s warranty is in effect.
• Test drive the vehicle – and do it during the day when it’s easier to see potential issues.
• Hire your own mechanic to inspect the vehicle.
• Bring a friend for safety, if possible.
• It’s OK to haggle. Negotiate if you think a lower price is in order.
• Consider an escrow service.
• Buy a car with a real title.
• Register your car after you buy it.
• Get a car insurance policy on the car before driving into the sunset!
Don’t:
• Don’t buy a salvage title car.
• Don’t use the seller’s chosen mechanic.
• Don’t use untraceable wire services to send money unless you have the car and title.
• Don’t use cash
• Don’t buy from someone who isn’t named on the title and registration.
• Don’t be pressured. • Don’t be in a rush.
Inspect the Vehicle
• Air filter for oil
• Battery for corrosion
• Car body for physical, water, and rust damage
• Engine oil and coolant for grit and particles
• Overheating of engine
• Odometer
• Tires for defects
• Heat and air conditioning
• Wear and tear of gas and brake pedals
• Signs of repairs, bodywork (fresh paint, new upholstery, new rubber on brakes), and oil or water leaks
Test Drive the Car
• Start the car and listen for any hesitation in the start.
• Drive in stop-and-go traffic and on the highway.
• Observe for anything out of the ordinary. Turn the stereo off while driving so you can hear the car.
• Does the check engine light come on?
• Any other warning lights?
• Is it easy to steer and brake?
• Test all electronic devices, especially the A/C.
• Does everything seem intact?
Questions for the Seller
1. Do you have the title?
2. Has the car had regularly scheduled maintenance?
3. What repairs have been done?
4. Does the car need further work?
5. Are service records available?
6. Has the car been in any accidents?
7. Which features don’t work the way they’re supposed to?
8. Is there any reason you wouldn’t take the car on a cross-country road trip?
9. Why are you selling the car?
10. How did you arrive at the selling price?
11. Is the car under a manufacturer’s warranty or service plan?
12. Can I take the car to a mechanic for an inspection?