Questions to ask a private car seller
What should you ask a private seller before you buy a used car? Here is a list of the questions that matter, grouped by when you ask them: before you travel, about the car, at the viewing, and about price and paperwork. Untick what does not apply, then copy or print the rest.
Pick the questions that apply
Everything starts ticked. Untick what does not apply, then copy or print the rest and use it when you message or meet the seller.
Your list (23 questions)
Before you go and see it 1. Is the car still available? 2. Why are you selling it? 3. How long have you owned it, and are you the first owner? 4. Can you send me the VIN? 5. Is the car registered in your name? 6. Is there any loan or lien on it? The car 7. Has it been in an accident, and has it had body or paint repair? 8. Where has it been serviced, and do you have the records? 9. Are there any warning lights, leaks, noises or things that do not work? 10. Has anything been modified or added since it was new? 11. How old are the tires, and when were the brakes last done? 12. How many keys come with it, and do you have the manual? 13. Has it been smoked in or driven by pets? Viewing and inspection 14. Can we meet in a public place, in daylight? 15. May I take it for a test drive? 16. Will you let my mechanic inspect it? 17. Can you show me your photo ID and the ownership so I can match the names? 18. Can I see it started cold, before you warm it up? Price, paperwork and payment 19. Is the price firm, and what is the lowest you will take? 20. Does it have a safety inspection certificate, if my province requires one? 21. Will you sign a bill of sale with the price, the VIN and the date? 22. How would you like to be paid? 23. What happens to the plates and the insurance on your side?
Keep going with Uobo
Uobo is your personal car agent. Text it what you need and it does the research and the checks, asks dealerships about availability, condition and price for you, and helps you decide. This is the text you would send:
You can edit this text before you send it.
On a computer? Text (289) 819-4586 from your phone and paste what you copied. Standard message rates apply. Reply STOP any time to stop.
How it works
Every question starts ticked. Untick the ones that do not apply, and the list below updates. Copy it into a message or print it to take with you.
Some questions come with a short note on why they matter, such as why a lien or a mismatched name needs to be sorted out before you pay.
Your privacy comes first. What you tick stays on your device. You can text Uobo the short message shown if you want help checking the car.
What this does not cover
- A seller can lie. Back the answers up with a vehicle history report, the VIN in the recall checker and an independent inspection.
- Rules for private sales, including safety inspections and ownership transfers, differ by province. Ask what your province needs.
- No list can cover every car. Add your own questions for the particular vehicle. The scam spotter helps with the warning signs in the ad.
Common questions
What should I ask when buying a used car from a private seller?
Ask why they are selling, whether the car is in their name and free of any loan, about accidents and service records, whether you can have a mechanic inspect it, and how they would like to be paid.
How do I check there is no loan on a used car?
Ask the seller, then check it yourself. Most provinces have a lien search that you can run with the VIN. A car with money owed on it can be taken back after you buy it.
Is it safe to buy a car from a private seller?
It can be, with care. Meet in a public place in daylight, check the ownership and VIN, have the car inspected, and pay by bank draft or a transfer made at the bank once the paperwork is signed.
What paperwork do I need to buy a car privately?
Usually the ownership, a bill of sale, and in some provinces a safety inspection certificate. The seller signs the car over to you, and you register it and insure it. Ask your provincial registry for the exact steps.