10 Questions to ask when Buying a Used Car

Before you buy a used car, there are ten pertinent questions that you should ask that can assist you in the process. Before you even see the used car you can ask these questions over the phone or by email, this could save you a trip if the answers are not to your liking. 

1. How many kilometres are on the speedometer? 

This is best asked before you go to see the used car. The answer can help you work out the value of the car. 

 2.  Why are you selling the car? 

These are the most common variables:

• “It’s my daughter’s car, she has just been given a company car”. This can be a hard sell because there is no urgency, also therefore not much room for negotiation.                                                 
• “It uses up a lot of petrol”. This is an honest comment and leaves a lot of room for negotiation.  
•  “I just bought a new car.” The seller could be motivated to sell as soon as possible so you can negotiate in this case.  
• “It belonged to my dad who has passed away”.  Most people in this case would want to sell it as soon as possible or might even need the cash urgently, so you can definitely negotiate.  

It is best to ask why they are selling the used car before you actually arrange to see it.

3. How would you describe your used car’s condition?  

• Excellent: the used car is either going to be in very good shape, or else its not which means you are dealing with a dishonest person. If the car is anything but excellent, walk away; as this means that the seller is trying to pull the wool over your eyes.  
• Good: for the same reason as above, a good used car is always a good value. Also, an honest seller is not going to over-sell a used car.
• Fair: this shows that the seller might not know the value of his or her used car. Alternatively, this person could be open to negotiation.  Generally, people who describe their used car as ‘fair’ are either being very honest or very shy.

It is also best to ask about the car’s condition before you arrange to see it.

4. Who was this vehicle bought from? 

If you are fortunate, the seller will be the original owner. A reputable used car will have all its service records available. 

This question is best asked whilst actually viewing the car.

5. Where was this car bought? 

This is a very important fact to find out. The area where a car has resided can have an effect on its condition, such as rust etc. 

This question is best asked whilst actually viewing the car.

6. What kind of oil do you use in the car? 

This is a very good way to tell if the used vehicle has been maintained well or not. A private seller could answer this question in one of the following three ways:

• Will answer straight away which will indicate that they did the oil changes themselves and it is well looked after. 
• They will need to check their records to answer. If there is more than one record, it shows that the car has been well maintained. 
• If he or she doesn’t know, then take the car to a mechanic to check the used car out closely. 

This question is best asked whilst viewing the car.

7. What price do you want to sell the car for? 

This usually indicates that you are not going to pay the asking price. If they have been trying to sell the used car for a while, they might be prepared to bargain with you.  

This question is best asked whilst viewing the car.

8. How long can I take the car out for a test drive? 

Don’t ever buy any kind of vehicle without taking it for a test drive.  No reputable seller will deny you to test drive a used car.  

This question is best asked whilst viewing the car.

9. Will you allow me to take the car to be tested independently?  

If the seller of the used car hesitates at all, this is a bad sign. If they are willing and able then you know they most probably have nothing to hide. 

Ask this question only after you have driven the car.

10. What’s the last used car you sold? 

Some people sell used cars as a hobby. But some of them are unscrupulous and fix up the cars just enough to get them sold. 

Ask this question only after you have driven the car.

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