Purchasing a new-to-you vehicle can be both daunting and exciting. There's so much to think about when considering a vehicle that someone else has previously owned, including how well the vehicle was cared for by the previous owner. When you're buying a used vehicle from a private seller, there are several questions you need to ask yourself before you seal the deal. Here's a used vehicle question checklist to help you prepare for your car-buying experience.
How Well Was the Vehicle Maintained?
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This question can encompass everything from how the previous owner drove the vehicle to whether or not routine maintenance services were performed. You should find out if the vehicle received routine maintenance and whether those services were performed by the previous owner, a mechanic shop, an independent mechanic, or a dealership's service department. Also, ensure that the vehicle is up to date on any maintenance needs. If possible, speak directly to the mechanic who performed the services to get their take on the vehicle's condition.
You can also ask if the service records are available. If the service records are readily available, it typically means that the previous owner kept up with routine maintenance and put a lot of care into the vehicle. You may also want to consider asking if you can take the vehicle to your mechanic for an inspection prior to purchasing.
Has the Vehicle Been in Any Accidents?
You might be able to get information on any accidents the vehicle was involved in on a vehicle history report, such as Carfax. Don't assume that the vehicle history report catches every accident, so it's best to ask the previous owner if they're aware of any accidents. If a vehicle has been involved in an accident, that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider purchasing it, but you should find out the extent of the damage and how it was fixed.
What Is the Vehicle's Ownership History?
Again, this information is often included on a vehicle history report, but ask if the ownership history is known when possible. Use terms such as original owner to get to the bottom of how many owners the vehicle has had. Watch for red flags such as very short periods of ownership, especially if the current owner is the one who has owned the vehicle for a very short time. This expedited sale of the vehicle may signal issues that the current owner doesn't want to deal with, so they're selling it to unload those issues onto someone else.
Why Are You Selling the Vehicle?
When buying from a private seller, you may want to ask them why they have decided to sell the vehicle. While most owners will provide you with a canned response, such as upgrading or the vehicle is no longer needed, you may gain insight into the reason if you pay attention to how they answer this question.
Watch for body language that may indicate they're uncomfortable answering this question to signal that the reason is possibly not good. Ideally, the owner would be upfront and honest if the vehicle has issues that they cannot resolve or afford, but realistically you'll have to trust your gut on this one.
How Many Miles Are on the Vehicle?
More miles often means that the vehicle is more likely to have problems in the near future, but you can also take this time to discuss the type of driving those miles include. You can ask whether the miles are mostly city or highway driving, how many of those miles the current owner put on the vehicle, and whether or not those miles aren't reflective of the vehicle's condition for any reason. If the engine was replaced, the odometer would have lower miles than what is on the vehicle body, which should also be considered.
Do You Have the Title in Hand?
The private seller may not have the title in hand if there's a loan with a remaining balance held by a bank or other financial institution. While you can purchase a vehicle from someone who owes money on a loan, you should know that it complicates the process slightly. The loan will have to be paid in full before the title is released. You may want to go with the owner to the bank as they use your payment to pay off the loan to ensure the title is released.
Also, if the owner has lost the title, it will need to be replaced before it can be released to you. The owner will have to go to the DMV to replace the title for a fee and then sign it over to you. Purchasing a used vehicle from a private seller that has the title in hand is easier and quicker.
Are There Any Features That Don't Work as Expected?
If a window doesn't go down when you push the button, the USB port doesn't provide a charge, the brake lights don't work, or any other feature needs repair, it should be disclosed when you ask this question. Again, in an ideal world, the current owner would be forthright with this information. By asking, you're forcing them to consider anything that may not work on the vehicle and prompting them to share that information. You can still purchase a used vehicle with a broken feature, but knowing the cost to fix it or that it's irreparable may influence your decision.
Are There Any Signs of Pets or Smoking?
This question is a personal preference but, for some, it can be a deciding factor. If you suffer from severe allergies to pet dander and the current owner's dog goes with them on every trip, you may want to keep looking. Likewise, if you're a nonsmoker and do not wish to smell the remnants of cigarette smoke, its presence will influence your decision.
When you're ready to purchase a used vehicle, consider stopping by Bill Volz Westchester dealership to browse our selection of pre-owned vehicles. We can help you take some of the guesswork out of purchasing used and provide you with peace of mind when it comes to your purchase. Give us a call at 855-970-4626, or drop us a message via our secure online messaging system. A team member would be happy to answer any questions you may have or get you set up for a test drive.
