60 questions to ask when buying a used car

Knowing the questions to ask when buying a used car is key to ensuring that your next purchase is safe and a good investment for years to come. Opting for a used car can help you get a newer model at a great price, saving you a significant amount compared to buying a new one. However, it can come with some risks, particularly if you do not properly research and prepare beforehand.

Asking questions before purchasing a car that has had previous owners is crucial to understanding its real condition, beyond the information in an advert written by the seller or dealership.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with some of the questions you can ask to help you fully understand the condition of the used car to help you gauge whether it’s a safe and secure deal. Use these alongside our used car buying checklist to be well-prepared when making your next car purchase.

What to ask when buying a used car

Why are you selling the car?

While this question seems broad and in some ways, obvious, it’s always a good idea to ask private sellers and car dealerships why the used car is for sale. If you are looking to purchase through a private seller, there are many genuine reasons why they might want to sell. By asking this question, it may uncover a fault or ongoing issue that may need fixing.

If you are buying through a dealership, it is worth asking how the car ended up at the dealership as there are numerous ways that they may have acquired it. While some dealers may be careful in selecting their used cars through private sellers or other dealers, some may have come from an auction which can raise some additional questions about the car’s history and condition.

Some other variations of this question you could ask are:

• Is there anything you feel a new owner should know about the car?
• Are there any specific issues that prompted you to sell?

Have you owned the car for a long time, or is there a recent reason for wanting to sell?

What’s the car’s history?

Car history checks, which are also known as an HPI check, can reveal a lot about the condition and true value of the car. It can highlight whether the car has ever been in an accident if there is any outstanding car finance, verify its mileage as well and confirm if the car has ever been stolen, scrapped or written off. These checks are also useful for protecting you against common car scams.

Most dealerships will use history checks but you can also choose to purchase your own history check for extra peace of mind.

To delve a bit deeper into the car’s history, here are some additional follow-up questions you could ask:

• Can you provide a car history report?
• Have there been any previous accidents or damages?
• Has the car been used for commercial purposes or long road trips?

How many previous owners has the car had?

Fewer owners can sometimes mean that the car was more likely well maintained as multiple owners could suggest that the car has experienced wear and tear through inconsistent care and varying driving habits. In some cases, a newer used car with only one previous owner may have been better maintained compared to a used car with several owners.

The answer to this question should be considered alongside the car history check which will verify the car’s details and highlight any issues.

Some other variations of this question you could ask are:

• What is the ownership history of the car?
• How many people have driven this car before?
• Has the car been through multiple owners?

What’s the car’s mileage?

As well as age, a car’s mileage can impact its value and future longevity. If a car has a higher mileage, this can indicate that it may require more frequent repairs in the future. However, the kinds of miles that the car has driven will also affect the health and condition of the car. For example, if a car’s miles have been built up by driving on smooth motorways it will likely be in a better condition than a car that has been driven on urban roads with potholes and roundabouts.

It’s also worth noting that a high-mileage car does not always indicate poor condition. If the car has undergone regular maintenance and annual services, it will likely be in better mechanical order than a car with low miles that has not been driven and serviced regularly.

It is also worth verifying the mileage using the government’s MOT checker to see if the miles it claims to have match up with the official recorded mileage taken during an MOT test. Disingenuous sellers can sometimes tamper with the mileage to make it appear lower than it really is, although this is much less common in modern cars.

Some follow-up questions you could ask the seller include:

• How many miles are on the odometer?
• Were most of these miles from city driving or highway driving?
• How has the mileage affected the car’s overall performance?

Has the car ever been in an accident?

Even minor accidents can lead to long-term issues, such as misaligned body frames or mechanical problems, therefore it’s vital you question if the car has ever been in a previous accident. If this is the case, you should also ask about any repairs that were carried out as this can help you gauge how the car was treated and if there are any ongoing issues that you should be aware of.

If the car has sustained damage from a more serious accident, the car may be listed under the title of Cat A, Cat B, Cat S or Cat N. Cat A and Cat B mean that the car will never be considered road legal, but the car’s with a Cat S or Cat N title can be repaired and registered with the DVLA so they are road legal.

In addition to carrying out these checks and using a car history check, it is always worthwhile asking the seller some follow-up questions such as:

• Has the car ever sustained any major or minor damages?
• Can you provide details of any accidents or repairs?
• Are there any records of collision or bodywork done?

Do you have maintenance and service records?

A car’s service history details all the maintenance and repairs that have been carried out throughout its lifetime. There isn’t a law which states how often you should get your car serviced, but if a car has a full-service history this can demonstrate that it has been well cared for and maintained. It can also highlight any potential issues, helping you piece together the overall condition and history of the car.

To build a full picture, consider asking these follow-up questions:

• Can I see the service and maintenance history of the car?
• Has the car been regularly maintained, and do you have the documentation?
• Are there service receipts or records for oil changes, brakes, tyres, etc.?

What’s the condition of the tyres and brakes?

Components like the tyres and brakes are often overlooked by previous owners but they are important. Not only from a performance perspective but also from a legal standpoint. You can assess the tyres by carrying out a visual inspection to check that the tyre pressure is adequate and meets the 1.6mm legal tread requirement.

Taking the car for a test drive is a good way to assess if the brakes are working as they should. If you notice any strange noises such as squealing, grinding or scratching or the car fails to come to a clean stop, this can indicate worn or damaged brakes.

As well as inspecting and taking the car for a test drive, you can also ask the seller or dealership the following questions:

• How old are the tyres, and when were they last replaced?
• When were the brakes last replaced or serviced?
• What’s the current tread depth and overall condition of the tyres?

Is there any rust or corrosion?

Rust is not only unsightly on a car, but it can also compromise the car’s structural integrity and impact its safety if left untreated. If rust has been repaired in the past, it’s important to know how thoroughly it was treated as it can come back and worsen over time leading to costly repairs later down the line.

Although they should, car dealerships and sellers don’t legally have to disclose if the used car has signs of rust unless it has been written off or failed its most recent MOT as a result. Therefore, you should carry out a thorough inspection and ask the following to investigate further:

• Have you noticed any signs of rust on the car?
• Are there any areas with significant corrosion, especially underneath the car?
• Does the body or chassis have any rust issues?

Does the car have a valid MOT certificate?

An MOT certificate is one of the most important documents you need when buying a used car. The certificate proves that the car has met the requirements and passed the safety inspections and emission tests to keep you safe on the road.

If the car does not have a valid MOT certificate, you can ask the seller to have the car tested before you go ahead with the purchase. Buying a used car without a valid MOT certificate is risky and you would be liable for any repairs needed to make the car road legal which can be costly.

Before completing the purchase, ask the seller or dealer the following:

• When does the MOT expire?
• Has the car ever failed an MOT in the past?
• Have there been any advisory notes from previous tests?

Is this car ULEZ-compliant?

Understanding if the used car you are about to buy is ULEZ compliant is important, especially if you frequently drive in areas with Ultra-Low-Emission Zones (ULEZ) in London or Clean Air Zones (CAZ) enforced by local authorities across the country.

The daily charge for ULEZ is currently set at £12.50 and the latest expansion means it now operates across all London boroughs. If you live near another city in the UK, it is also worth checking where the CAZ zones operate.

To avoid these potential running costs, it is important to ask the dealer or private seller the following questions:

• Can you provide any documentation or proof of ULEZ compliance?
• Does the car meet all the emissions standards in this area?
• What’s the car’s Euro emissions standard (e.g., Euro 6)?

How’s the condition of the interior?

As well as checking the exterior of the car, you should also spend some time inspecting the inside. A damaged interior may reflect how well the car has been cared for overall. If you do find signs of damage this could indicate other hidden problems.

Ask the seller or dealer if you can turn the car on and check the electrical features such as wipers, lights, dashboard and infotainment system if it has one. You should also examine the upholstery including the seats, carpets and seat belts to ensure they are all functioning as they should. As well as carrying out an inspection yourself, you could ask the following questions:

• Are there any damages or wear to the seats, dashboard, or interior components that I should be aware of?
• How well maintained is the interior, and have there been any repairs or replacements inside?
• Are there any issues like stains, tears, or malfunctions inside the car?

Has the car ever had any major repairs or parts replaced?

It’s important to be aware of any significant repairs or replacements related to the engine, transmission, or suspension. This information is crucial for assessing the overall condition of the car and the quality of work that has been done.

As cars age and accumulate more miles, it’s normal for them to require maintenance work. This is especially true for older cars with higher mileage. Asking these questions will give you a clearer idea of any previous work carried out, helping you to determine whether the repair fully resolved the problem or if there may be further complications later on.

Some additional questions you can ask include:

• What was the reason for the repair?
• Who carried out the repair or replacement?
• Were original or aftermarket parts used for the repair?

Does the car come with any warranty?

A car warranty provides peace of mind by covering potential repairs after you purchase a used car. Knowing what’s covered and for how long is essential in calculating potential future expenses. If the car is still under warranty, it is useful to know if this is transferable and what it covers so you are protected from any unforeseen costs.

A lot of dealerships will offer some kind of warranty when purchasing a used car. This will usually offer a standard level of cover with the option to add on additional cover if needed. With a private sale, you should first check if the car is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. If it is not, you can buy a third-party warranty and the cost will depend on the car’s age, mileage, condition and level of cover you choose.

Some follow-up questions you could ask the seller include:

• Is there any existing warranty left on the car?
• Which parts or components are still covered under warranty?
• Is there an extended or transferrable warranty available for this car?

Can I arrange for an independent inspection before purchase?

As we’ve discussed a pre-purchase inspection can identify any underlying issues the seller or dealership may not have disclosed. Requesting an independent inspection is common and if the seller objects, it could be a sign that they are trying to hide something.

Some ways you can approach this is by asking the following:

• Would you be open to letting me have a mechanic check the car before I buy it?
• Can I get a third-party inspection of the car?
• Will you allow me to have a pre-purchase inspection done by my mechanic?

Is there flexibility on price?

Negotiating the price allows you to get the best possible deal for a used car. If you find any issues or the test drive flags any defects, the seller or dealer might be willing to lower the price if any repairs are needed.

Reputable dealerships are well-versed in pricing cars according to their condition and the current market price, but there may still be room for negotiating the price of a car. This process takes time and it requires a bit of patience to secure the best deal. Doing thorough research and taking the time to ask the questions we have discussed will put you in the best position to haggle.

To begin price negotiations, you can open the conversation by asking one of the following:

• Are you open to negotiating the price?
• How did you set the price?
• Can you offer any flexibility on the asking price, given any repairs or issues found?