The risks of buying a car privately I have seen a car advertised for sale. It's the model I want and the price is right. I know I am supposed to get some protection if I buy from a dealer, but this is a private seller. The car is described as being in excellent condition and the seller says everything works as it should. I don't expect everything to be perfect with a second-hand car, but do I have any protection or redress if I buy privately and then find there's something wrong? You buy entirely at your own risk. The car must be roadworthy, but everything else can be a lie. If the car is seriously "not as described" and cost less than £5,000, however, you could always try suing the vendor via the small claims track of the county court.