Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and the Yahoo Answers website is now in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

what should i ask before i buy a car from a owner?

i am interested in buying a car from the previous owner

what are some questions that i should ask them?

5 Answers

Relevance
  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    ask the previous owner who the current owner is, that is who who you want to talk to...

    Seriously though, you can ask anything you want to ask. Accidents, regular maintenance done, any flood, where did you get the car, etc.... Look closely for signs they are lying or not telling the whole truth. This would be an indication to back away.

    If they seem honest, then you will want to get a Carfax report on the car, do this on your own. If that checks out, then you ask to take the car to a mechanic for an inspection. If all that checks out, go for it.

    Source(s): First poster has a good point I forgot to include...is there a lien on the car? If their is a lien on the car, you need to take possession of the car and pay off the lien yourself. So you will give them any money over and above the lien amount. You don't want to give them the money directly as they could not pay off the lien, yet you will never know and your car ends up getting repo'd.
  • 1 decade ago

    where is the nearest mechanic? or bring ur own. never, ever buy a used car from anyone without having it checked out first. never rely on the owner's "honesty". it is an "as is" sale with no warranty, and can be the difference between a car that will get u further than around the block, or quit working in a week or two and u r stuck. if you don't have the car checked out by an authorized mechanic to discover any problems..there is no legal recourse unless you get a written warranty from the seller which gurantees the major components of the car are in working order or the owner will repair/replace, etc. carfax.com can get u the history of a vehicle for a small fee with the vin number, year make and model, do u watch judge judy-it's buyer beware!

  • Zsasha
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    Ask them about the mechanical condition of the car or if the car had been in an accident. You might want to check for the car;s history itself by going to carfax.com You might also want to have a mechanic look at it first before you purchase. Ask them if there is any lien on the car or if he already has the title and can sign over to you on the date of purchase. Also, ask him if there are any pending violations/tickets on the car and make sure all the tags are current.

  • 5 years ago

    ask in the event that they have any greater beneficial autos on the marketplace? merely kidding,,,,If it is usually a motor vehicle from an character they could desire to have concepts. A dealer won't likely know some factor and he's going to easily furnish you BS pondering the indisputable fact that the motor vehicle merely rolled onto their lot from the first auction very final Tuesday. heavily you opt to be geared up to look the motor vehicle over totally and ask questions approximately the coolest deal which you notice. in case you notice some paint easy or chipping, ask was it repainted? examine the trunk for the scent of mildew (like an historic basement). Does it leak or is it rusty? Ask to work out each and each receipt for each restoration and upkeep they did on the motor vehicle. Even oil adjustments and motor vehicle washes. in the event that they stored their receipts that's a sign of anybody who cares approximately their autos. be sure the tires are all the comparable. you would be surprised how oftentimes I look at a motor vehicle and it is going to have 3 unique tires on it. examine below the hood. look into the oil, Is it sparkling? examine the radiator, is it packed with anti freeze or water? Brake Fluid, trans fluid. If those fluids are sparkling and crowned off that's a nicely sign. in the event that they do no longer look, ask why? examine the indoors unquestionably, seek for burns (people who smoke motor vehicle!!) smells, stains, rips. no count if it is first fee sparkling that's a nicely sign.

  • 1 decade ago

    VIN number to check on blue book websites to check out the history of the car.

    Also ask about accidents, the transmission, and any problems on the electical system.

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.