12 Questions to Ask a Private Seller Before You See the Car

The best way to avoid wasting a Saturday on a bad car is to ask the right questions before you drive out to see it. A few minutes on the phone or by message can save a two-hour round trip — and flush out sellers with something to hide. Here are twelve to ask every private seller.

Before you go

1. Do you have the title, and is it in your name? No title, or a different name, is a red flag.
2. Is there any loan or lien still on the car? You don't want to inherit their debt.
3. Has it ever had a salvage, rebuilt, or branded title? Cross-check the answer against the title brands.
4. What's the VIN? Get it so you can run the history yourself before you go.
5. Has it been in any accidents or had major damage?
6. Is the mileage accurate, and do you have service records? Watch for odometer red flags.
7. Why are you selling it?
8. How long have you owned it, and how many owners before you?
9. Are there any mechanical issues or warning lights right now?
10. Do you have maintenance and repair records?
11. Was it a smoker's car, around pets, in any floods, or garage-kept?
12. Are you firm on price, and okay with a pre-purchase inspection? A "no" to the inspection is telling — here's why one matters.

The bottom line

You're not being difficult — you're being thorough. Honest sellers answer easily; evasive ones tell you what you need to know by dodging. Pair the answers with a VIN check and you'll know before you go.