When buying a used car, you want to make sure you really know the car you’re eyeing. It’s not only necessary to ask a lot of questions, but also to ask the right questions, to avoid unpleasant surprises later that could hit your wallet hard. This article is here to help, by giving you questions to ask before buying a used car, pointing out warning signs to watch for and offering some tips and a checklist before your big purchase.
Questions to Ask Before Buying a Used Car
Why are you selling the car?
This question can reveal a lot about both the car and the seller. You don’t want to end up with a stolen car or face serious problems later. Does the seller take in salvaged cars, fix them and resell them? Are they selling on behalf of someone else? There can be many reasons someone is selling a car and you want to make sure nothing sketchy is going on. A vague answer can indicate hidden problems, so pay attention.
Has the car been in any accidents or had major repairs?
This is one of the most important questions, since accident history affects safety, reliability and resale value. Even what seems like a minor crash can bend the frame or mess up the electronics. What looks like a “clean” car today might start eating through tires or throwing warning lights a few months later. Sellers sometimes shrug and say “no big deal.” Trust a mechanic to inspect the car thoroughly - it can save your wallet and your nerves.
Can I see all the service records and get a vehicle history check?
A car with a thick folder of receipts and a clean history report is worth far more peace of mind than money saved by skipping these steps. It’s a red flag if the seller makes vague excuses like “I lost the paperwork,” “it was serviced at my buddy’s shop,” or refuses to provide a history report. If they’re avoiding this, they might be hiding something expensive.
Do you have the title in hand?
Not having the title usually means there are still payments pending on the car or there’s a lien. A good answer would be: “Absolutely, I have the clean title right here in my name.” Warning signs include: “It’s at the bank,” “I’m waiting for a new one,” or “It’s a salvaged/reconstructed title.” If they say, “I can get it in a couple of weeks,” it’s probably best to walk away.
Can I take it to my mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection?
Any trustworthy seller should allow this. It usually costs around $100–150, depending on the inspection. A fair seller might say, “Sure, take it to your mechanic.” But a red flag would be: “No, that’s unnecessary,” “I’m in a rush,” or “Just trust me, it’s fine.” If they don’t want a qualified mechanic to lift the car and check it, you should be cautious.
Can I take it for a test drive?
Never buy a used car without driving it for at least 15 minutes, preferably on the kinds of roads you use every day (highways, stop-and-go traffic, hills). A reliable seller will give you the keys without fuss, saying something like, “Go ahead, test it as much as you want - I’ll just wait here.” They may come with you if they’re worried, but they won’t rush you.
If they suddenly say they have “another appointment in 20 minutes,” insist on driving it themselves or only let you drive around the block, that’s a warning. They might be hiding issues like transmission problems, strange noises at higher speed or brake issues when things heat up.
Is there a warranty and are there any scheduled maintenance checks coming up?
When buying from a private seller, a totally honest answer is often: “No warranty, sold as-is.” That’s fine as long as they’re clear. A good seller will also tell you about upcoming maintenance, for example, “The timing belt should be okay for another 30,000 miles, but the 90,000-mile service is coming up soon.”
Sellers trying to offload a problematic car might be vague. They’ll promise a “30-day warranty” that doesn’t exist, say everything is “lifetime guaranteed,” or act like they’re not sure what service is needed next.
How long have you owned the car? When were the brakes/tires replaced?
This helps you figure out whether you’re dealing with an owner or someone who just resells cars. Someone who’s owned the car for a few years usually knows it well - they might say: “I bought it in 2021 when it had 42,000 miles. I changed the brakes at 89,000 miles last summer and the tires are Michelin Pilots from spring 2024, with lots of tread left.” But if they respond, “Oh … a few months?” and can’t remember any maintenance details, they might just be someone who picked it up cheaply and put it straight on the market.
Other Questions You Might Want to Ask
How many miles (or kilometers) are on the car?
Does everything work - AC, heater, windows, lights, radio, buttons?
Has it ever been smoked in (if you don’t smoke)?
Cigarette odor is notoriously difficult to remove or you could be in for an unpleasant surprise when the seller’s air freshener wears off.
What to Look for When Buying a Used Car
Walk around it slowly. Mismatched panels, wavy paint or doors that don’t line up flush almost always hint at hidden crash damage. Take a good sniff inside: a musty or moldy smell can point to past flooding, while an overpowering cheap air freshener often signals someone trying to mask smoke.
Don’t forget to look down at the pedals. If the bare metal is shiny on a supposedly low-mileage car, the odometer might have been rolled back and conversely, brand-new pedal rubber on a “high-mileage” car is just as suspicious.
Finally, pay very close attention to the seller: honest people will let you inspect freely, but if someone hovers, chatters nonstop or seems nervous when you open the hood, they might be hiding something. That uneasy energy can be one of your biggest red flags.
Things to Check When Buying a Used Car
Start it cold and listen for knocks, smoke or slow cranking
Check oil (color, level, metal flakes) and coolant condition
Look under the car for fresh oil leaks or patched-up spots
Scan for rust on frame, rockers and wheel wells
Test brakes hard, any pulling or pulsing?
Wiggle the steering wheel at 40–50 mph for shakes or play
Check all lights, wipers, AC, heat and every button
Look at tires for uneven wear = alignment or suspension issues
Checklist for Buying a Used Car From a Dealer
Pull a Carfax/AutoCheck (dealer usually provides it, but double-check)
Confirm price includes all “dealer fees” or get them in writing
Ask for an inspection
Test-drive twice if possible, once alone, once with someone you trust
Get any promised reconditioning (brakes, tires, etc.) in writing before paying
Walk away if they rush you or won’t let your mechanic look at it
Read every line of the contract, especially “as-is” clauses.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Used Car?
When shopping for a used car, timing can be your best ally, the right moment could save you real money. The best deals often appear at the end of the month, the end of a quarter or in December, when salespeople may be under pressure to hit their targets or free up space. Private sellers can feel the squeeze too: many want the car gone before January 1st so they avoid another year of registration, insurance or property tax (in some places). If you're buying from a dealership, early fall is also a smart time: they often clear out leftover trade-ins from the busy summer season to make room for new inventory.
Buying a used car doesn’t have to feel like Russian roulette. Ask the right inquiries, be patient and don’t allow anyone to rush you or make you feel guilty for being “too selective.” The sellers who react negatively when you ask for records, a proper test drive, or a personal mechanic are precisely the ones you should walk away from. The trustworthy ones welcome those question because they have nothing to hide.
A great deal only stays great if the car doesn’t eat your wallet right after you buy it.
So take your time, trust your instincts, bring a friend or a mechanic and remember: the ideal car for you is the one that passes every test you throw at it, not necessarily the one with the glossiest exterior or the loudest sound system.
If you want to learn how to negotiate like a pro, read this article for some tips, and make sure to also browse our list of common used-car scams