Questions to ask a seller before you buy a used car

The right questions save you a wasted journey. Ask most of them on the phone, before you travel. The answers matter less than how they fit together: a seller whose story matches the paperwork and the MOT history is easy to buy from. A seller whose story changes is a reason to walk away.

Below are 18 questions in three groups: the phone call, the viewing and the price. For each one, you will find why it matters and what a good answer sounds like. Write the answers down, so you can compare them with the documents later.

On the phone

These questions decide whether the car is worth the trip.

1. What is the registration number? You need it to read the MOT history and check the tax status on GOV.UK. Good answer: given straight away. A seller who will not share it before you travel is telling you something.
2. How long have you owned it? A long ownership usually means the seller knows the car and its history. Good answer: a number of years that matches the V5C, with a clear story. A few weeks is worth a follow-up question.
3. Why are you selling? You are listening for a reason that makes sense: a new car, a growing family, moving abroad. Good answer: simple and specific. A vague answer is not proof of a problem, but note it.
4. Is the car in your name, and is the logbook at the address where I will see it? The V5C should show the seller as the registered keeper at that address. Good answer: yes to both. See our guide to the V5C logbook.
5. Is there any finance outstanding on the car? A car on hire purchase or PCP belongs to the lender until the last payment. Good answer: "no", or "yes, and I will settle it before the sale, with a settlement letter". Confirm it with a vehicle history check either way.
6. Has it been in an accident or written off? Ask directly. Good answer: a clear no, or an honest yes with repair invoices. A history check will show insurance write-off records.
7. How many keepers has it had? Many short ownerships can mean a problem nobody wanted to fix. Our guide to previous owners explains when the number matters.

At the viewing

These questions test the paperwork and the car against what you were told.

1. Can I see the service history? Stamps are good, invoices are better, because they show what was actually done. Good answer: a folder with dated invoices whose mileages match the MOT history.
2. When was the cambelt last changed? On engines with a cambelt, the maker gives a change interval in miles and years, whichever comes first. A missed change can be costly. Good answer: a date, a mileage and an invoice. If the engine has a timing chain, the seller may say so.
3. What work has been done in the last year? Recent repairs tell you what was failing. Good answer: specific jobs with invoices. Ask for the invoice every time.
4. The MOT history shows the same advisory more than once. Was it fixed? Read the history before the viewing. Our guide on how to read MOT history shows how. Good answer: "yes, here is the invoice". "It has always done that" is not an answer.
5. Are there any warning lights or faults you know about? Ask before the test drive, so you can compare. Good answer: a straight list, even if it is short.
6. Has the car been modified? Modifications can affect insurance and resale. Good answer: none, or a list with paperwork that the insurer has been told about.
7. How many keys come with it? A missing key can cost a lot to replace and can be a sign the car's history is not complete. Good answer: all keys present, including the spare.
8. Can I start it from cold? Some faults only show when the engine is cold. Good answer: yes. If the bonnet is warm when you arrive, ask why.
9. Can a mechanic inspect it before I buy? An honest seller has nothing to lose. Good answer: yes, at a time that suits both of you.

About the price

These questions set up a calm, evidence-based conversation. Our guide on how to negotiate the price shows how to use the answers.

1. How did you arrive at the asking price? It invites the seller to explain, and shows you how firm they are. Good answer: a reason linked to the car's condition or recent work.
2. What is included in the price, and how would you like to be paid? For a dealer, ask about admin fees, warranty and preparation. For a private seller, ask whether a bank transfer to an account in their name is fine. Our guide to paying for a used car explains the options. Good answer: no surprise fees, and a payment method that leaves a record.

Questions to ask yourself

The seller's answers only help if you test them. Before you agree anything, ask yourself:

• Does the name and address on the V5C match the seller and the place I am standing?
• Does the VIN on the car match the V5C? See our guide to the VIN number.
• Do the mileages on the invoices fit the MOT history?
• Did the car drive the way the seller described it? Use our test drive checklist.

If two or more answers do not fit, it is usually cheaper to walk away than to find out why. Our used car buying checklist puts all these steps in order.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important question to ask when buying a used car?

Ask for the registration number before you travel, so you can read the MOT history and run a history check. Most problems show up there before you even see the car.

What should I ask a private seller?

How long they have owned it, why they are selling, whether there is finance outstanding, whether the V5C is in their name at that address, and whether you can see the service invoices. Then check each answer against the documents.

What should I ask a car dealer?

Ask about the service history and recent work, what preparation the car has had, what warranty comes with it, and whether there are admin or other fees on top of the price.

Is it rude to ask for invoices?

No. Invoices are the evidence that work was done. A seller who has looked after a car is usually glad to show them.