7 Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car

07 Jul 2025

7 Questions to Ask When Buying a Used Car

Buying a car is a pretty big decision, whether it’s a brand-new one or a used one. There are a lot of tips for buying a used car out there, but sometimes you just need a cheat sheet on how to purchase a vehicle safely. We’ve put together a list of questions that you can ask when you’re buying your next car so you can make sure you’re getting exactly what you need.

Essentially, what you’ll want to find out from the previous owner is a good sense of the car’s history and any important issues that could become a problem. Always make sure you’re willing to walk away from a deal if you feel uneasy about any answers you’re given.

So, let’s get into it!

#1 - Why is the Seller Selling the Car?

It might be obvious, but it’s really important to ask why a seller is getting rid of a car. It might be for a perfectly good reason, like the seller is moving to another country or upgrading. However, some people might have ulterior motives for selling, so asking this question is a good way to gauge the situation.

#2 - What’s the Mileage on the Car?

Generally, the more a car has been driven on the road, the more wear and tear you can expect. But higher mileage shouldn’t always be a dealbreaker. A well-maintained car with 80,000 motorway miles might be in better condition than a neglected one with 30,000 city miles and a dodgy service history.

#3 - How Old is the Car?

Also speaking in general terms, an older car may mean higher maintenance costs. While this isn’t always the case, it’s worth noting that though an older car might cost less upfront than a newer model, maintenance costs may stack up.

#4 - How Many Owners Has the Car Had?

If a car has changed ownership quite a lot, that could be a huge indicator that something is wrong with the car. While it’s true that this isn’t always the case, a car with fewer past owners is probably something to aim for.

#5 - Is There a Vehicle History Report?

You can usually find most key information about a vehicle from a reputable source like Carfax, though you can expect to pay a fee for this information. Even if you do find out the vehicle history yourself, an owner willing to give you that information is a good sign that they have nothing to hide.

#6 - Can I Take the Car for a Test Drive?

A test drive is a way for you to get a feel for the car that neither you nor the owner can give just through exchanging words. 10-15 minutes should be enough for you to see if there is anything noticeably wrong with the vehicle and give you the chance to raise it with the seller. If a seller isn’t willing to let you test drive the car, it’s probably a good idea to walk away at this point.

Other Tips for Buying a Used Car:

Aside from important questions to ask a seller, there are some things for you to consider privately beforehand.

Choose How to Finance Your Car

Clearly, you’re going to need the funds to pay for the car, so it’s worth considering your options around this. You should consider what’s important to you when thinking through the options. There are many types of car financing, and even options for those with bad credit.

Take a Car Checklist With You to the Sale

It can be difficult to know exactly what to look for when buying a car, particularly if you’ve never done it before, or you’re not a huge Top Gear fan. So, take a checklist with you so you know what to look for if you're buying a first car.

Though a checklist will go into more detail, essentially, you’ll want to check the following:

-Tyres.

-Dents and scratches.

-Fluid levels.

-Electrics.

-Glass.

-Panel gaps.

-Under the oil cap.

-Upholstery.

-Spare tyre/parts.

-Wear and tear.

Check the Documents Carefully

There are a lot of important documents flying around when buying a car, and tedious though it may be, it’s so important to check everything carefully. And then check it again! The most important document to get and check through is the V5C. You might also hear this called the registration document or the log book, but they all mean the same thing.

Check the MOT and Service History 

This is actually something you can do online beforehand, so you have less of a surprise when you see the car in person. Check for the expiry and any advisories as this might be something you’ll need to fix urgently if you go through with the sale. It’s also worth checking with the seller about this, as they may already have fixed any advisories (ask for proof!).

Final Thoughts

Car buying doesn't have to be stressful, and it certainly doesn’t have to be based on outdated advice from your mate’s cousin’s barber.

At Autodosh, we help people find car finance options that suit their real needs, not myths. If you’re thinking of changing your car, why not see what your budget could get you? 

Get a Quote

----

Editorial Disclaimer: This content is for entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or any other company. This article has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these organisations. NB: The information on this page does not constitute financial advice, please do your own research to ensure that the product/service is right for your individual circumstances.