If you need a new car but don’t have the money for a brand-new one, you can go for a used vehicle from an independent seller instead. However, the obvious downside to taking the used route is that you risk having major car issues way sooner than you would with a new one.
Fortunately, if you ask the right questions, you can avoid vehicles on the verge of a potential failure. Most of the lists that cover questions you should ask before buying a used car only mention the more basic ones. For this article, we wanted to hit some of the questions that not everyone thinks of or that they’re too afraid to ask.
What Did You Use the Car For?
When people ask, “How old is the car?” or “What’s its milage?” they can then piece together an idea of what kind of condition the car might be in. But it’s better just to be direct. Some people avoid asking how the previous owner used the car because it seems too personal. However, if the seller has trouble answering a question as simple as this, it could be a bad sign.
Once you know this answer, you should still ask the previously mentioned questions. That way, you can have the clearest picture possible of its history.
Why Are You Selling It Now?
This is another question that some people consider too personal, and that’s why it’s the perfect one to ask. It can take a seller a little off guard, which might seem mean. But if they struggle for a long time to answer, that may mean that they’re trying to hide the fact that they want to get rid of a vehicle that’s in a rough condition. A genuine seller should have no problem explaining why they’re selling it.
What Repairs Has It Undergone Recently?
Usually, an interested buyer will ask what kinds of problems a car might have. While this is good, a better question to ask when buying a used car is what repairs it has recently undergone. Shady sellers might not answer this entirely truthfully, but their responses can still help you determine which areas to look out for during your test drive.
Do You Mind if I Look Up the Vehicle History?
Some sellers might give you a few pieces of paper with the vehicle history. While this might be a friendly gesture, it could also be a way to hide the really bad stuff. Those types of documents are easy to doctor. Whether they hand you one or not, you should always ask to take the time to look these up. Even if the seller isn’t trying to pull a fast one on you, there could be earlier damages they never knew about if they weren’t the original owner.
Can I Take It on a Long Test Drive?
Lastly, you should ask to go on a longer test drive. Not all vehicle issues show up after a short 5- to 10-minute drive. You need time to listen and feel for little things that might be bad. For example, you could use a longer drive to check for signs that the automatic transmission might need a rebuild. The car will have a chance of being yours very soon, so you should treat it like it already is.
