You find the car you like. You contact the buyer and say "Hello governor, can I come and inspect your product?". You make sure you visit the owner of the car at their place of work or home. You make sure the person you meet if listed on the registration document and the location is the address listed (or their work). You make chit chat with the geezer, does he sound nervous, is he a scruffy cunt?

You need to check there is no finance owing on the car. You need to check that the car has been serviced every year. You would be wise to check that the tires and brakes aren't gonnaa need changing in the next 12 months, if they are worn out then it's $180 discount per tyre and $500 for front brakes, $500 discount for back brakes.

Check the oil, if it's dark and thick then it's gonna need changing so that's $300 discount.

Should you decide to purchase the car you should negotiate based on the stuff you find that will need repairing within the next 6 months. Payment via a bankers draft (bank cheque) or cash. $10k is small change so make sure you get it from the bank in $100 bills in $1000 bundles.

Consider getting a private inspection from NRMA if you are concerned about the car.