Asking questions. It doesn’t always come naturally, and many people will feel guilty about questioning a seller’s authenticity. Nevertheless, in the excitement of picking out your new vehicle, it’s easy to miss some important points.

Alas, this could put you at major risk of buying a car that’s not all you expected it to be. Therein, we’re exploring some of the critical must-ask questions you need to check. Hopefully, this will help you make a more informed choice for your new car.

Six Must-Ask Questions Before Buying a Used Car

So, you’ve found a car that looks like it might fit the bill. It’s an exciting time. But, before rushing in and hand over any money for the vehicle, it’s important that you know what you’re buying! Fortunately, the following six questions may help you make a slightly more informed choice for your vehicle purchase.

#1 Has the Car Had Any Damage or Accidents?

First, always ask the seller about any previous accidents, repairs, or significant issues the vehicle may have had. This can help ensure that you’re buying with full knowledge of the car’s history. Don’t forget: while this can help, the seller may only have limited knowledge of what happened before they owned it. So, it’s always worth verifying their claims with a car history checking service first.

#2 What’s the Current Mileage?

Most people selling a car will know roughly what its mileage is. As such, be sure to ask the seller about this, ideally off the cuff, to see if they have a good idea. They probably won’t give the exact right figure; still, if they’re vastly off, you may want to check whether the mileage is accurate.

Note: it’s not actually illegal for someone to change the mileage on your car; however, if they don’t disclose it, then they are breaking the law.

#3 Were There Previous Owners?

Another key question to ask is whether the car has had any previous owners. While this might seem like a minor point, it can give a lot of insight into whether the seller’s likely to know the full story.

#4 Can I Have a Test Drive?

As a final check, it’s worth asking if you’ll be able to go for a test drive. Of course, not every seller will necessarily say yes. That’s especially true when they’re a private seller; still, it can help you check you’re happy with the car if they allow it. If not, be sure to consider why. It could be genuine. Still, it may also be a sign there’s an issue that’s not clear from the look of the car alone.

#5 Can I See the Car’s Last MOT?

Before purchasing a new vehicle, checking its previous MOT is a simple way to get a lot of valuable information. Previous MOTs can highlight any major works the car may have had done, as well as any advisory issues that might become a problem after you’ve purchased. Given this, it’s a simple way to double check you’re not buying a car with problems.

Make A Careful Choice

Buying’s a big decision. Luckily, today’s tips offer a great starting point to ensure you’ve invested in the right model. Inevitably, though, it’s not impossible for the seller to make a mistake on their claims (or, even more worryingly, actively lie).

Given this thought, we strongly recommend that you double check the seller’s claims with a car history checking software first. It only takes a matter of minutes, and with a professional history checking tool, you’ll enjoy access to a huge amount of information that could help!