When buying a used car, what kind of questions should I be asking a private owner? A dealer?

Answer 1

do they have a car log or maintenance records? :)

Answer 2

Just ask for any maintenance records, really. Anything verbal is unenforceable for the most part. If you're buying from a dealer, ask what the warranty is and ask to see a copy. Look it over, or have an attorney look at it if it's a bunch of legal mumbo-jumbo.

Run a CarFax report. And get an independant inspection by a trusted mechanic. Also check the maintenance and repair history at a dealer for that make.

If eveything checks out, the only other question is, "What's the lowest you're willing to go?"

Answer 3

Advice from a car dealer. (me)
has the car ever been in an accident. if so what was repaired
did they buy it new, if not where did he buy it and how many previous owners. Don't buy the lady driven line, I am a lady and I have driven the crap out of a few cars.
was it ever used as a taxi, rental car, race car etc
do they have any maintenance papers you can see and when was the oil changed last etc.
Private seller, why are they selling it.
are there any liens against it. any money owing, joint owners etc. and are THEY the registered owner.
can you have your mechanic inspect it.
Is the selling price negotiable
Have there been any major repairs, new transmission etc and when.
Is there any warranties left on it.
Will they give you a warranty? or guaranty, 30 day money back etc.
does it burn oil, any leaks, does everything work.
where was it primarily driven, highway, rural, off road, city etc.
was it ever used to tow a boat, trailer etc. )often hard on a car)
have they removed or added anything added stereo, removed catalytic converter etc.
That should help,

Answer 4

You should request a carfax report from either party. This will show the VIN history (accidents, warranty repairs, owners, etc.) You can also request in writing that the deal is not final until a mechanic of your choice checks out the vehicle. Request when you are looking at the car to take it on a test drive to your local mechanic. Know that used cars are sold 'as is' so you want to do as much research as possible before you sign and drive away with the vehicle. Get anything that you want fixed or done to the vehicle (if at dealer) in writing.

Answer 5

i own a repair shop,and you need to ask about the mileage,,the history of it,,and any major problems it may have had in the past,,also do a car fax on it if possible,and you need to look in the glove box for the owners manual ,,if its in there it may have a maintenance record with it,,this will help you a lot,,also look for any difference in colors on it,,like it may have had some paint work done on it,,and then drive it,,and take notice of anything you hear that doesn't sound ,,or seem right on it,,,and look at the pedals on it,,and see if they look really worn,,this will help determine the mileage also,,check for leaks also ,,and if you cant find nothing wrong with it,,then try and deal on it,,but look it over real good,,you can see though the shine a lot of times ,and find the problems,,good luck,i hope this help,s,,have a good x-mas.

Answer 6

I would always go with a private owner, ideally a little old lady that rarely drove the car in the first place. Ask the mileage, if it has been in an accident,and most importantly that they have all the mechanical records of the car.

Answer 7

study the motor vehicle your self employing an inspection policies. you will hit upon a policies in a number of the magazine articles, books and cyber web information superhighway sites that handle procuring a used motor vehicle. attempt tension the motor vehicle under particularly some highway situations - on hills, highways, and in provide up-and-go travelers. Ask for the motor vehicle's maintenance record. If the owner would not have copies, touch the dealership or restoration save wherein the particularly some artwork was finished. they could probably share their archives with you. confer with the faster proprietor, noticeably if the present proprietor is unfamiliar with the motor vehicle's historic previous. Have the motor vehicle inspected with the aid of way of a mechanic you lease. you additionally can GET unfastened counsel with the aid of CALLING THE producer AND ASKING THEM. ALL you will could inform THEM IS which you have an pastime in paying for THE motor vehicle provide THEN THE VIN and that they're going to PULL each thing that they have ON document THAT HAS BEEN reported. additionally submit to in innovations that IF THE motor vehicle IS everywhere close to A sea coast HAVE IT INSPECTED FOR FLOODING, I even have considered TOO lots of those motor vehicle GET bypass INSPECTION because of the fact THEY have been wiped sparkling UP very stable AND the customer have been given THE uncooked end OF THE DEAL.

Answer 8

I heard a funny thing on Car Talk--they advised you check the radio dial to see what stations they had programmed in. If it's metal and rap stations, the car probably needs a new transmission. If it's slow jazz or classical, it's probably been driven by an older, mature person--the type most llikely to take care of the car.

They have a helpful website, I think through NPR.

Answer 9

private owner- what kind of driving did they do city or lots of freeway. when was the last service and big problems it has it had. any accidents
Dealer- get the car fax report it will give you info about any accidents. what service they did when they got it turned back in.