Last Updated on April 12, 2022
You’ve probably heard the saying, “It is better to prepare and prevent, than it is to repair and repent.” If you translate that to purchasing cars, the saying goes something like this, “know what to look for before securing your next ride.” This will save you plenty of stress and hassle. But where do you begin? Today, look no further, we have the used car inspection checklist you need.
See, when buying a used car online, getting a good price is not the only important detail. Knowing the vehicle’s history is just as helpful as saving a buck. That’s why you need some perspective about an advertised vehicle and the seller before deciding to make the trip.
Think of this process as an interview. You want to ensure no hidden problems surface after extending your hand and signing the contract. And where possible, best practice is to rule out some cars before ever leaving your home.
In the end, this means less headache and more money saved in the long haul. The more you know about a sale and seller before buying, the more you can leverage in your favor. The more you can leverage, the more satisfied you will be with your purchase.
So before saying “yes” to a used car, here’s a list of basic questions to ask to help.
What To Check When Buying From Private Sellers?

1. How many miles has it been driven?
A vehicle’s mileage helps determine its value. If the odometer has a significantly high mileage, ask why. The car could have high mileage due to the owner having long highway commutes. Or maybe the vehicle is a low mileage car that did a lot of short trips or was used for a delivery route. This information will also be important during negotiations. Always research and determine the car’s value before meeting the seller.
2. What is the condition of the vehicle?
Pay attention to how the seller responds to this question and ask follow-up questions also. Be specific about the vehicle’s structural and mechanical condition.
3. Why is the owner selling the vehicle?
Be weary if the seller says something odd or tries to evade the question by telling an interesting story. That is not a good sign. The same is true if the seller answers your question openly, but nervously. Listen to the seller’s words and look for a reasonable explanation. You don’t want to end up buying a “piece of junk,” that the owner is just trying to get rid of.
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On the other hand, some sellers are going to be honest. They might say something like, “The car drinks a lot of gas,” or “I just bought a new car.” Take advantage of the situation when you hear answers like these.
4. Are they the original owner?
If the seller is the original owner of the car, great! He or she should have all the maintenance records.
If the seller isn’t the original owner, ask for a record of previous owners. If they don’t have these records or if the vehicle has had more than one previous owner, you should be able to find some basic information from a vehicle history report (VHR).
5. Where did the seller originally buy the vehicle?
Knowing the previous owners isn’t enough. It’s important to know from which state the car was bought.
Laws are different from state to state. Some states allow used vehicles to be sold with little concern about their history. This means even if the seller is the original owner, he or she could move from one state to another state and clear the title of any negative records – such as a salvage label.
Moreover, information about a car’s geographical background can imply potential weather-related problems. A vehicle’s past locations may have caused some significant damage or allowed the driver to ignore damages. For example, the vehicle’s AC unit may have been broken for some time, but the owner never sought to repair the issue because of where they lived. This is minor compared to potential flaws a vehicle could have. Other damages may have resulted from extreme heat, flooding, or icy conditions.
6. Has the car had any recent or major repairs?
You should inquire about whether the car was involved in any accidents. Watch the seller’s response to your question. Vehicles that have required repairs or been in collisions are more likely to give you future headaches. They may also be worth less money than what the seller is offering.

7. Are they offering to let you see the service records?
Be picky. Ask for any records the seller has for the car, including things as simple as tire replacement or oil changes. An owner who is meticulous enough to keep maintenance records probably takes good care of the vehicle. The opposite is true about someone who keeps no records at all.
8. Do they have a title in hand?
Don’t just take the seller’s word for it. Ensure they have a title (or equivalent paperwork) ready for when you agree to close the deal.
9. How long will the seller allow you to take the vehicle for a test drive?
Do your best to avoid buying a used car without a test drive. If the seller denies you a test drive, it may be time to walk away. Some sellers, such as government agencies, may not allow test drives for legal reasons. If this is the case in your situation, consider how well you trust the seller’s information about the vehicle. Most sellers, especially private, should be willing to allow a test drive.
If you’re granted a test drive, it’s time to be picky. Usually a test drive is limited to less than 30 minutes. This is your best chance to discover any issues with the vehicle, so use your time efficiently.=
You should test the car on multiple road surfaces and at varying speeds. Try to simulate whatever type of driving you do on a daily basis, such as highway driving or in stop-and-go traffic. See how the vehicle merges with traffic. Take several corners and turns. Are you comfortable with the seat? Can you clearly see the instruments and access the controls easily? How about the mirrors? How difficult is reversing into a parking space?
10. Will the seller allow you to write down the VIN?
Having the VIN will allow you to obtain a full vehicle history report (VHR) from a company like Carfax. This is especially important if the seller is not the original owner of the car or if any records are missing. It’s never a bad idea – no matter how much information a seller offers you – to get a full VHR. As the saying goes, “the more the merrier.” Only in this situation, the “more” you want is information.
11. Can you have the vehicle inspected independently?
If the seller hesitates, it’s a warning sign. Look for that one easy answer, “Yes, no problem!” Get a mechanic you can trust to look at the car. This is the best (and safest) way to find out what’s really going on underneath the hood and to address any problems that could flare up later.
12. How much is the seller asking for the car?
This question suggests that the quoted price by the seller should be negotiable. Depending on how long the car has been on the market, the seller might come back with a decent discount. All in all, the more information you have about a used car, the better. The more information you have, the more you can negotiate.
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Why Is A Checklist Important?
Asking these questions will give you a good idea about whether you should consider taking a vehicle home with you or not. It also provides you with a record of a seller’s responses. With a record, you’ll be able to discover any conflicts between what the seller told you and what you see during the test drive and inspection.
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