used cars questions to ask the seller

Buyers advice

Questions to Ask the Seller

Another way to describe this would be "taking the seller for a test drive." By this we mean two
things:

1. Finding out as much as possible about a vehicle before you go out to see it.

2. Deciding if the seller seems honest, noting whether it's an individual or a dealership, to try
to reduce your chances of buying someone else's problems.

To do this, you'll need to answer the following questions. If you're working off a classified ad,
start by calling the phone number listed. Rather than asking if you can see the vehicle. Ask
these questions first.

Your interview should accomplish a few things. It helps you rule out some vehicles before
even leaving your home, it also gives you some perspective on the vehicle before you see it
and get distracted by some positive or negative aspect of the vehicle. It also helps you track
the seller's responses. If you do go see and test-drive the vehicle and something conflicts
with what the seller told you on the phone, it's a good sign that the seller may not be being
honest and up front with you. Go on to the next car.

1. Why are you selling the vehicle?

Listen carefully. Maybe the seller has a growing family and the car is too small, maybe it is
the seller's mothers car and she can't drive anymore. ( a good sign!) The seller may come up
with varying reasons for selling the car listen carefully to see if the answer comes out
smoothly or sounds made up. As if the seller just made up his answer and may be trying to
hide something.

2. How many miles are on the car?

A used vehicle's mileage will help determine its value, which will be important during
negotiations. You can research values in our Kelley Blue Book pricing tool before meeting
the seller. Also, if you eventually see the vehicle, and the odometer reads significantly higher
(or appears to be stuck on a number when you drive it), it's time to leave.

3. What's the condition of the vehicle?

Note that the wording of the question is neutral. See how the seller responds. You know what
kind of problems you can live with and how they affect your offer. Be sure to follow up by
specifically asking about both its structural and mechanical condition in case the seller didn't
address either one. Again, if you see the vehicle and find that the seller could have been
more honest about its condition, take it as a sign.

4. Does it have any special features?

How a vehicle is equipped also affects its value. Are the seats upholstered in leather? Is
there a CD player? Is it equipped with air conditioning?

5. Are you the original owner?

In general, single-owner vehicles are preferable. This also helps with the next few questions.
If the seller isn't the original owner, he or she might not have the answers. The more you
know about the vehicle, the higher your comfort level will be.

6. Was the vehicle ever involved in an accident?

A crucial question. Vehicles that have been in collisions are prone to more problems and are
worth less. If the seller says "no" to this question on the phone and then you determine that
it's been damaged and repaired, you'll know that the seller is untrustworthy or, at best, not as
familiar with the vehicle as you would hope. Whatever their reason for getting it wrong, it may
be time to walk away.

7. Do you have service records for it?

An owner who was meticulous enough to keep service records was probably meticulous
enough to take good care of the vehicle — and fortunately, you can find out.

8. How much are you asking for it?

Again, the wording is important. It suggests that the price the seller quotes should be
negotiable.

Take along the Used-Car-Buyer's Checklist.
This handy list includes things you want to know but might forget to ask.