Used cars can be purchased at places other than dealerships. Private sellers advertise in the classified sections of city, regional and neighborhood newspapers. Be aware, however, that unlicensed dealers advertise in the classified section as well. Another name for an unlicensed dealer is a curbstoner (they sell cars from the street-curb instead of from a car lot). Curbstoners are people who make money from buying a used car and reselling it. Here are some tips for identifying a curbstoner:

• The vehicle is parked along the street or in a vacant lot;
• The person selling the car asks you to meet them at a location other than their residence;
• The seller wants a cash transaction, no checks or money orders;
• The title to the vehicle is not in the name of the seller.

If you suspect you are dealing with a curbstoner please contact the BMV at: Ohio Bureau Of Motor Vehicles ATTN. Investigations PO Box 16784 Columbus, OH 43216-6784

1. Are you the owner of the car?
2. How long have you owned the car?
3. What is the mileage? (You might want to ask what the mileage was when the person bought the car.)
4. How has the car been driven? (Around town vs. long trips)
5. What are the car's best features?
6. What major work have you done on the car? Any receipts?
7. Did you buy the car new?
8. Why are you selling the car?
9. Has the car ever had problems with rust? Has the car ever been repainted?
10. Has the car ever had body repairs?
11. Do you have the title issued in your name?
12. Are you a vehicle dealer?
13. What would I need to do to put the car into top shape?