Planning to buy in a private sale - need some input on a few things.

I heard about a friend of a friend selling a vehicle and I'm interested. This will be my first car purchase, and I want to do it write right. From what i've read, they steps usually goes something like this?:Research the vechicle, run a background check on the VIN, and look for events like accidents and regular maintenance.Interview the seller, asking about the vehicle's usage history and make sure the name on the title match the drivers license and/or insurance papers.If the background check seems on the up and up, take it for a test drive - check the brakes, AC/Heater, electronic control system for things like the windows, radio?, etc..Take it to a mechanic to check for unseen issues.If I decide to buy, get a certified bank check and go to the DMV with the seller to have the title turned over to my name.Take the keys, and the copies of the keys, from the seller and hand over the signed check.I'm new to all this and need some advice. What else am I missing? What should I watch out for? I know of carfax but is there any other better website to run the background check?This is a used car I want for work and I WILL drive it into the ground, then buy another one. Thanks for reading.edit: I forgot insurance. In my state I believe all I need is Liability insurance. How does that go? Should I talk to insurance companies first before I do any of this or should I be doing it all in parallel? via /r/cars http://ift.tt/2sbfsQK