Questions to ask the seller before you visit
The first conversation with a seller tells you a lot. Good questions save you wasted trips, bring out problems early and show whether the seller is open or evasive. Do not be shy: a serious seller expects questions. Here is a list you can use by phone or by message, grouped by topic.
How to ask
Be friendly and curious, not suspicious. Write the answers down, because you will compare several cars. It is often better to ask by message first, so the answers are written, and then follow up by phone. Pay attention to how the seller answers. Detailed, relaxed answers are a good sign. Dodging, annoyance or "come and see" for every question is not.
About the seller
- Are you the owner named in the papers? If not, who is, and why are they not selling?
- How long have you had the car?
- Why are you selling it?
- How many owners did it have before you?
About the car's history
- Where was the car bought and where has it been used?
- Is there a full service history? Can I see the service book and invoices? See the service book for what a good one looks like.
- When was the last service and what was done?
- Has the car been in an accident or had any body repair?
- Have there been any larger repairs, and do you have the invoices?
- What is the mileage, and can you prove it? See signs of odometer fraud.
About the condition
- Are there any warning lights, noises or leaks?
- Does everything work: air conditioning, windows, locks, electronics?
- When were the tyres, brakes and battery last replaced?
- Has the timing belt or chain been changed, if the car has one? The guide on timing belt vs chain explains why this matters.
- Are there two sets of keys?
- Are any parts non-original, modified or fitted with extras?
About the papers
- Are all the documents available and in order?
- Does the car have any debts, loans, liens or unpaid fines attached to it? Rules differ by country, check with the competent authority how to confirm this.
- Can you send me the VIN so I can check it? Use the VIN checker and see documents when buying.
- Can you send a photo of the document pages with personal details covered?
About the sale
- Is the price firm, and is there room for discussion?
- May I have the car inspected by my own workshop?
- Can I test drive it? Do you want to see my licence?
- Will you give a written agreement describing the condition?
- Are there other interested buyers? Treat this answer carefully, as it is sometimes a pressure tactic.
Check the answers against the advert
Compare what the seller says with the advert and the photos. Differences in mileage, equipment or the number of owners are a reason to dig deeper. Ask for extra photos if something is missing, such as the engine bay, the dashboard with the engine running, or the underside of the car.
Warning signs in the conversation
- The seller refuses to give the VIN before the visit.
- They want a deposit before you have seen the car.
- They are in a hurry, or the car is "somewhere else".
- The story changes between messages.
- They want to meet in an odd place instead of where the car is kept.
If you recognise these, read scams and fake ads.
Next steps
If the answers are good, arrange a daytime visit and bring the buying checklist. The wider process is explained in the used car buying roadmap.
Using the answers
After a few calls you will have a pile of notes. Sort the cars into three groups: those that sound good and deserve a visit, those that raised doubts and need more information, and those that you cross off at once. Be ruthless about the last group. Every visit costs time and money, and the best way to save both is to say no early.
Before you visit, ask the seller to keep the car cold and not run the engine before you arrive. Remind them politely to have the documents ready. That way your visit can be short and focused on the car itself.
What to remember
- Ask in writing where you can, and keep the answers.
- Cover seller, history, condition, papers and sale terms.
- Ask for the VIN and check it before you travel.
- Open sellers answer calmly; evasive answers are information too.
Tools for this post
- Buying checklist – Tick through it at the seller.
- My Garage – Your private car logbook: fuel, service, costs, deadlines.
- VIN checker – Decode a VIN and see what it tells you.
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