If you are buying a used car, you may want to consider some of the following tips and suggestions.

Location. Do not meet a private car seller anywhere except at their home address. It may be advisable for a friend to come with you rather than you going alone. It may seem helpful if the seller offers to visit you, but don't agree to this. The buyer should visit the seller at their home, and make sure you go go inside. Ask to see some recent utility bills that show their name and the address. In short, you want to check that they really live there.

Identity. So you know where they live. You also need to be sure that they are who they say they are. Ask them for a proof of identity with a photograph, such as a driving licence or passport. Write down their passport or driving licence number, and if you can, make a photocopy. This will help you prove and find who you purchased the car from if you need to.

Instinct. If the seller is unwilling or hesitant about co-operating, this may make you wonder about their motives. It it feels wrong, don't buy it.