I am not very savvy when it comes to buying cars. I'm thinking about buying a used car and I'm meeting up with the seller for the first time. What are some things I should consider in terms of the car itself (inspection) and making the deal? Can anyone with some expertise in this area give me a list of things I should consider in making the deal? Thanks!

Moved to the motoring forum.

Hire someone to do the deal for you. Seriously!

1. Take a mechanic with you if possible.

2. Research prices before you go.

3. Set yourself very clear limits and do not be talked into breaking them under any circumstances. e.g. I will not pay more than 200,000 Baht.

4. Don't commit yourself there and then no matter what he says.

5. Have a look at at least 5 different vehicles of that model from 5 different sellers.

6. Don't be pressured. There is no shortage of second hand cars in Thailand.

7. Don't try to 'please' the seller.

8. Use the phrase, "I'll think about it." and don't agree to anything.

9. Ask a lot of questions.

10. Know what paperwork is required. If you can't read Thai, take somebody who can.

This is just for starters.

Hire someone to do the deal for you. Seriously!

That's a good idea, if you can't close, you'll get burnt.

The member Oliver19 doesn't say where in Thailand he's based, but if he's in Bangkok he should take it to this place called TestCar (google it) which do a test for 3-5k. I've used it twice (the first car I bought in LOS was second-hand)

Actually I wouldn't recommend buying a used car, but I would recommend NOT buying from anyone who wouldn't consent to having their car tested. Based on my experience of buying second hand in LOS, Thai's frequently repair their cars with cheap, non-genuine parts at cheap, non-official places (especially when the warranty runs out and they've still got 6 more years of repayments to make!)

It's even more of a lottery in LOS, you can't even trust official service centers sometimes. As I remember, Testcar doesn't recommend whether to buy or sell, it just tests and tells you whats right and wrong with the car.

Good luck.

I am not very savvy when it comes to buying cars. I'm thinking about buying a used car and I'm meeting up with the seller for the first time. What are some things I should consider in terms of the car itself (inspection) and making the deal? Can anyone with some expertise in this area give me a list of things I should consider in making the deal? Thanks!

You have to be a little bit more specific, what you want to buy and in what price range. Luxury car, sport car, family car, Pick, SUV or Mini Van. If you are interested in a normal family car like Honda or Toyota, let's say not more than 4 year old, than is't not even worth to think about a used one. Those brands are to expensive in the used car marked. For example a 2004 Honda Jazz, still cost much over 400'000 Baht. In this case you better buy a new one. Pick Up the same problem. If you want a Toyota or Isuzu, there is the same thing. If you can go for a Ford, Mazda or Chevrolet, than you can buy a used one, because their marked value is much lower than the others.