Things to look for and ask about when buying a car

✅ QUESTIONS TO ASK OVER THE PHONE

1. Title & Ownership

Do you have the title in hand?

Is the title clean, salvage, rebuilt, or branded?

How long have you owned the car?

Are you the original owner?

2. Condition & History

Any known mechanical issues or warning lights?

Has the car ever overheated?

Has it ever been in an accident?

Any rust or body damage?

3. Maintenance & Repairs

When was the last oil change?

Has the timing belt or chain been replaced?

Are there any recent repairs or parts replaced (battery, brakes, tires, etc)?

Do you have maintenance records?

4. Mileage & Usage

What is the current mileage?

Has it mostly been city or highway driving?

Has it sat unused for long periods?

5. Drivability

Does it start and drive reliably?

Any issues with shifting (auto/manual)?

Does it pass smog/emissions?

6. Reason for Selling

Why are you selling it?

How long have you been trying to sell it?

Are there any problems you haven’t mentioned?

7. Price & Flexibility

Is the price negotiable?

Are you open to letting a mechanic inspect it?

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👀 WHAT TO LOOK FOR DURING INSPECTION

🔧 UNDER THE HOOD

Oil Condition: Pull dipstick — dirty or milky oil = red flag.

Coolant Color: Should be bright green, orange, or pink (not brown or rusty).

Transmission Fluid: Should be reddish, not dark or burnt smelling.

Leaks: Look under the car for oil, coolant, or transmission leaks.

Battery: Check for corrosion and age (label shows year/month).

🚘 OUTSIDE THE CAR

Body Damage: Check for mismatched paint or dents (signs of past wrecks).

Rust: Especially around wheel wells, door edges, undercarriage.

Tires: Look for uneven wear (could mean alignment or suspension issues).

🪑 INSIDE THE CAR

Dashboard: Any warning lights on (check engine, ABS, airbag, etc)?

Windows/Locks: Test all power options.

AC/Heat: Test both — repairs can be expensive.

Smell: Musty = possible mold or water damage.

Seatbelts/Airbags: Check for signs of missing or deployed airbags.

🚗 TEST DRIVE CHECKLIST

Startup: Does it start easily and idle smoothly?

Noise: Listen for knocking, squealing, grinding, or rattling.

Brakes: Do they squeak, feel soft, or pulsate?

Steering: Pulls to one side? Loose feel?

Transmission: Hesitation, slipping, or clunking when shifting?

Acceleration: Does it hesitate or struggle?

Alignment: Car should drive straight, no shaking in steering wheel.

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🔧 BONUS: $50-100 MECHANIC PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION

If the car seems worth it, ask if they'll allow a mobile mechanic or garage to inspect it before cash is handed over. This $50–$100 check can save you thousands.

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🚩 RED FLAGS TO WALK AWAY

Seller won’t let you test drive it.

No title or only a bill of sale.

Recently reset check engine light.

Won’t allow inspection.

“Ran great before it sat for a while…”

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Let me know if you want a printable checklist or help writing a message to a seller!