What to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Used is the new “new.”

In the middle of a recession, taking on hundreds of dollars in monthly car payments — not to mention a larger auto insurance bill for a new car — isn’t what most consumers are looking to do. But if your old car is on its last wheel, the purchase of a used model instead of a new car becomes appealing. But before making the leap into used car ownership, however, there are a few extra things you should ask the seller, whether the seller is a dealership or a private party.

Research the car you want ahead of time. Make sure you’ve checked the Kelley Blue Book value for the make and model to establish a reasonable price. When planning financially for the purchase of a previously owned automobile, there are additional costs to consider, including any potential maintenance the car may need.

Questions to Ask

• Car history. Who was the previous owner? How many owners were before that person? You want to get a full ownership history, or a CARFAX, to see any problems the car may have had or if it has been in an accident.
• Car Mileage is another strong indicator of how much wear the car has experienced.
• Car condition. Ask about the engine, transmission, brakes and any accidents the car may have been in. Again, a CARFAX history report would have any of this information.
• Registration. Make sure the car is currently registered so you can legally test drive the car.
• Special features. Ask about any special add-ons the car has, like a CD player, MP3 stereo system, Bluetooth capability, etc. These components add to the overall value of the car, and you want to make sure it has everything you want and nothing you don’t really need.

Tips for negotiating with a dealer

Ask to see any previous certifications and inspections. Again, inquire about the vehicle’s previous ownership. Did it come from a former driver? Was it a trade-in from the dealer? A CARFAX will have this information.

Tips for negotiating a person-to-person sale

When interacting with a private party instead of a dealer, ask why this person is selling the car. The answer can give you valuable insight into the car’s capabilities and condition. Similarly, ask if you can get the car privately inspected — this way you can find out from a objective third-party if the car is in good shape.

When you see the car for the first time, be sure to ask the seller these questions and examine the car thoroughly. Bring this handy checklist along so you can inspect everything before making a purchase.