Check the VIN on the dash against the VIN in the driver's door jamb, under the hood, and on the paperwork

Use the VIN to get the car's history at carfax.com for about $20

Ensure title and registration documents match the name and address of the seller

Is the car from out of state?

Be suspicious if you must meet a private seller in a parking lot. Better to see that they live at the address where the car is registered

Has the vehicle recently been transferred?

Does the seller use a home or work phone number, or just a cell?

Is the selling price oddly low?

Be warned that some used car dealers are getting scammed, too

Pay by certified cheque or money order, not cash.

Keep in mind that most private sellers are not thieves, but rather honest, regular folks like you. And prices do tend to be lower with private sales. So if you follow my advice, you can greatly improve your chances of driving away with a "genuine" used car.

Will YOU get scammed on your next car purchase? Michael Trusthold writes for www.UsedCars.biz and has bought and sold used cars for profit for many years. For more scam prevention TIPS and handy checklists for used car buying and selling, visit UsedCars.biz.

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