How to buy a car from a private seller — and what to watch for
Buying a car from a private seller can save you money, but take precautions.
6 min read
Feb 16, 2024
Rebecca Betterton
Writer, Auto Loans and Personal Loans
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3Years of experience
EXPERTISE
- Auto Loans
- Personal loans
- Personal finance
- Budgeting
EDUCATION
- Certified Financial Education Instructor℠, National Financial Educators Council
- Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications, Elon University
About the author
Rebecca Betterton, a Certified Financial Education Instructor℠, is a writer for Bankrate who has been reporting on auto loans since 2021. Through her writing, Rebecca aims to provide clarity and accessibility to the automotive loans industry as the cost of financing new and used vehicles continues to climb due to steep inflation.
She specializes in assisting readers in navigating the ins and outs of securely borrowing money to purchase a car, but recently widened her scope to cover personal loans and other debt topics. Prior to her time at Bankrate, she was a social media reporter and copywriter.
When Rebecca isn’t researching recent trends in personal finance, she is an avid runner and a lover of interior design.
Rebecca beyond Bankrate
Rebecca wants you to know
Rebecca understands the anxiety that comes with heading to a dealership. She is passionate about empowering readers to make informed financial decisions in the showroom through focused advice and guidance. Outside of that, she has spent the last year researching EV financing and trends to make it more accessible for all sorts of drivers.
Rebecca's latest articles
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Auto loan rates
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President’s Day 2024 car sales: How to secure the best car deal
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How much does it cost to detail a car? 2024 prices
Check out how much a car detail might cost you.
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Co-signing vs. co-owning a car: What’s the difference?
Co-signing and co-owning are two ways to add a borrower when taking out a car loan.
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Is it cheaper to buy a car online or at a dealership?
The best route for buying a car depends on the type of experience you prefer.
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Car lease basics: What you should know before you sign
A lease stipulates that you’ll make payments on the car until the lease is over.
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Is your car payment too expensive for your monthly budget?
Vehicle prices remain high, making your budget all the more important.
4 min read Jan 25, 2024
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Afterpay Buy Now, Pay Later: 2024 Review
Afterpay is a buy now, pay later app that has a loyalty rewards program and a 0% interest option when you pay in four installments.
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How to transfer a car title
Learn how to transfer a car title and what to do if the title has a lien on it.
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Yes, you can sell a car with a lien — here’s how
Selling a used car with a lien can be tricky. Follow our tips to maximize your sale.
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How to calculate interest on a car loan
Calculate your interest payments and determine how much interest you’ll pay overall.
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What is an auto loan and how does it work?
An auto loan allows you to borrow money from a lender in order to purchase a car.
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What is auto loan refinancing and how it works
Refinancing can help reduce interest paid, lower monthly payments or both.
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It only makes sense to consolidate if you can get better rates or terms.
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Should I buy a boat or rent one? Consider these factors
Buying or renting a boat depends on your wants, needs and financial situation when both options have pros and cons.
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