The questions you ask a seller — and how they answer — tell you a lot before you spend a shilling on inspection or transfer. Here are ten worth asking every time.
About ownership and history
- "Are you the registered owner?" The name on the logbook should match the seller's ID. Hesitation here is a red flag.
- "How long have you owned it, and why are you selling?" Very short ownership or a vague reason can hint at a problem they discovered.
- "Is there any loan or financing on the car?" An active loan can complicate or block the transfer.
About condition and maintenance
- "Do you have the service records?" A documented service history is a strong positive.
- "Has it ever been in an accident?" Compare the answer with what an inspection finds — see spotting accident damage.
- "Is the mileage genuine?" Then verify it yourself; odometer fraud is common.
- "Are there any known issues right now?" Note the answer and test those systems specifically.
About paperwork and terms
- "Is the logbook available and ready for transfer?"
- "Can I take it for an independent inspection?" A confident seller says yes. A firm no is one of the biggest warning signs there is.
- "What's your best price after inspection?" This keeps room to renegotiate if the inspection finds issues.
The most important answer
Watch how the seller reacts to question 9. Honest sellers welcome an independent pre-purchase inspection — it reassures serious buyers. If someone refuses to let you inspect the car, walk away.
Asked the right questions and still keen? Book an inspection to confirm the answers before you buy.