Questions to Ask When Viewing a Car: UK Buyer's Guide

Asking the right questions when viewing a car can reveal problems, verify the seller's honesty, and give you negotiating power. This guide covers exactly what to ask, how to ask it, and what answers should concern you.

Before You Arrive: Phone Questions

Initial Screening Questions

Ask before travelling:

1. "Is the car still available?"

• Confirms advert current
• Avoids wasted journey
• Shows car hasn't sold
• Basic courtesy

2. "Can you confirm the exact location and postcode?"

• Verify address
• Plan journey
• Check if matches V5C
• Should be seller's home ideally

3. "What's your relationship to the car?"

• Are they the owner?
• Selling for someone else?
• Dealer or private?
• Business seller?

4. "When would be convenient to view?"

• Arrange suitable time
• Daytime viewing best
• Allows thorough inspection
• Not rushed

5. "Can I bring a mechanic or use a diagnostic tool?"

• Tests seller's openness
• Most genuine sellers agree
• Refusal is red flag
• Shows you're serious

Opening Questions: Building Rapport

Start Friendly

First impressions matter:

1. "Thanks for meeting me. How long have you owned the car?"

• Establishes timeline
• Builds conversation
• Relaxes atmosphere
• Shows polite interest

Expected answers:

• Specific period (good)
• "Few years" (acceptable)
• "Not long" (investigate why)
• Vague (suspicious)

2. "Have you enjoyed owning it?"

• Opens conversation
• Reveals attitude to car
• Genuine sellers enthusiastic
• Reluctant answers concerning

Good signs:

• Positive about car
• Specific memories shared
• Genuine regret selling
• Detailed experiences

Bad signs:

• Negative about car
• Dismissive
• Eager to move on
• Can't recall details

Ownership and History Questions

Verify Legitimacy

3. "Can I see the V5C logbook please?"

• Essential document
• Verify keeper details
• Check against ID
• Note recent issue date

Follow-up questions:

• "Can I compare it to your driving licence?"
• "I notice it was issued recently - why was that?"
• "May I take a photo of the V5C for my records?"

Red flags:

• No V5C available
• Name doesn't match
• Recently issued (old car)
• Evasive about showing

4. "How many previous owners has it had?"

• Compare to V5C
• Check HPI check
• Many owners = concern
• Verify against claims

What to expect:

• Matches advertisement
• Matches V5C
• Can explain owner changes
• Reasonable for age

5. "Why are you selling?"

• Reveals motivation
• Tests honesty
• Context for condition
• Negotiating insight

Acceptable reasons:

• Upgrading
• Downsizing
• Financial reasons
• Family growing/shrinking
• Company car provided
• Moving abroad
• Circumstances changed

Concerning answers:

• "It's been problematic"
• "Too expensive to run"
• "Can't afford repairs"
• Vague reasons
• Story changes

Service History Questions

Maintenance Verification

6. "Do you have the full service history?"

• Critical for value
• Shows maintenance
• Verifies mileage
• Indicates care

Ideal answer:

• "Yes, here's the book with all stamps"
• Full main dealer history
• Or reputable independent
• Receipts included

7. "When was it last serviced?"

• Check service book
• Should be recent
• Within mileage interval
• Or due soon (negotiate discount)

Follow-ups:

• "May I see the receipt?"
• "Which garage did the service?"
• "What work was done?"
• "Can I contact them to verify?"

8. "Have any major components been replaced?"

• Timing belt/chain
• Clutch
• Brakes
• Suspension
• Battery

Good signs:

• Has receipts
• Knows details
• Proactive replacement
• Proper parts used

9. "Has it had any warranty work done?"

• Shows if under warranty
• Reveals issues fixed
• Quality of repairs
• Manufacturer involvement

Usage and Condition Questions

How Car Was Used

10. "What has the car been used for?"

• Commuting
• Family car
• Second car
• Business use

Implications:

• Heavy commuting = high mileage but motorway miles
• School runs = low mileage but stop-start wear
• Second car = low use but potential neglect
• Business = well maintained but heavily used

11. "Has it been driven mainly on motorways or town?"

• Affects condition
• Motorway miles easier
• Stop-start harder on car
• Clutch and brake wear

12. "Where is it normally parked?"

• Garage (best)
• Driveway (good)
• Street (acceptable but weather exposed)
• Underground car park (check for damp)

13. "Has it been smoked in?"

• Affects interior
• Difficult to remove smell
• Lowers value
• Health concerns

Red flags:

• Claims no but you smell smoke
• Air fresheners masking
• Burn marks visible

Mechanical History Questions

Problem History

14. "Have you had any mechanical issues with it?"

• Tests honesty
• All cars have some issues
• "None" is suspicious
• Details show knowledge

Good response:

• "Minor things, all fixed"
• Provides examples
• Has receipts
• Honest about issues

15. "Has it ever broken down?"

• All cars do eventually
• Recent breakdown concerning
• Fixed and documented OK
• Recurring issues red flag

16. "Any dashboard warning lights?"

• Should be none
• Check all lit
• If any on, investigate
• May be disconnected

Test:

• Turn ignition (engine off)
• All warning lights should illuminate
• Then extinguish when started
• Staying on = problem

17. "Has the timing belt been changed?"

• Critical for older cars
• Usually every 60-100k miles
• Or 5-10 years
• Expensive if not done

Check:

• Service history
• Receipt for work
• When due next
• Budget if due soon

Accident and Damage Questions

Damage History

18. "Has it ever been in an accident?"

• Legal requirement to disclose
• Check body panels
• Paint thickness meter
• Insurance check

Acceptable:

• "Minor car park scrape, properly repaired"
• Has photos and receipts
• Disclosed in advert
• Professional repair

Unacceptable:

• "No" but evidence visible
• Major accident not mentioned
• Poor repair work
• Insurance write-off hidden

19. "Have you made any insurance claims on it?"

• Even non-fault claims
• Shows accident history
• May not be on insurance database yet
• Tests honesty

20. "Are there any dents, scratches or marks I should know about?"

• Shows honesty
• Minor marks acceptable
• Should point them out
• Hidden damage concerning

Paperwork Questions

Documentation Check

21. "Do you have the MOT certificates?"

• History of MOT tests
• Advisory items
• Mileage verification
• Failure reasons

22. "Can I see the original purchase invoice?"

• Proves legal purchase
• Shows what they paid
• Options/specifications
• Date purchased

23. "Do you have all the keys?"

• Should be 2 minimum
• Spare expensive (£150-£500)
• Remote fobs working
• Service/valet key?

Cost of replacement keys:

• Basic: £50-£150
• Remote: £150-£300
• Smart key: £200-£500
• Programming: £50-£100 extra

24. "Do you have the owner's manual and service book?"

• Shows care
• Useful information
• Contains service stamps
• Part of complete package

Financial Questions

Outstanding Obligations

25. "Is there any outstanding finance on the car?"

• Critical question
• Should be settled
• Get written confirmation
• HPI check essential

Acceptable only if:

• "Yes, but I'll settle it before sale"
• Written agreement
• Payment handled properly
• Title transfer clear

Red flags:

• Evasive about finance
• "Can you settle it?"
• Wants cash
• Won't confirm

26. "Is the car currently taxed?"

• Check gov.uk database
• Tax doesn't transfer
• Budget to tax immediately
• SORN status?

27. "When is the MOT due?"

• Check certificate
• Verify on gov.uk
• Expiring soon = negotiate discount
• Recent MOT = good

Technical Questions

Performance and Features

28. "Are all the features working properly?"

• Air conditioning
• Heating
• Electric windows
• Radio/infotainment
• Parking sensors
• Sat nav

Test everything:

• Before purchase
• During test drive
• Lights all work
• Indicators
• Wipers
• All functions

29. "How's the tyre condition?"

• Minimum 1.6mm legal
• 3mm+ advisable
• Check all 4 + spare
• Even wear?

New tyres cost:

• Budget: £40-£60 each
• Mid-range: £60-£100 each
• Premium: £100-£150+ each
• Full set: £240-£600+

30. "When were the tyres last replaced?"

• Age matters
• Over 6 years = concerning
• Check date code
• Budget replacement

31. "How's the battery?"

• Original or replaced?
• Age if known
• Starts well?
• Any jump starts needed?

32. "What MPG do you typically get?"

• Real-world figure
• Compare to claimed
• City vs motorway
• Indicates engine health

Test Drive Questions

During the Drive

33. "Does it pull to one side?"

• Before test drive
• Note if it does
• Alignment issues
• Tracking problem

34. "Any strange noises I should know about?"

• Tests honesty
• Some noises normal
• Listen during drive
• What's concerning?

35. "How are the brakes?"

• Feel during test
• Any judder?
• Stop straight?
• Recent work?

36. "Does the clutch slip?"

• If manual
• Test during drive
• Biting point high?
• Replacement expensive

Negotiation Setup Questions

Price Discussion

37. "What's your absolute best price?"

• After inspection
• When interested
• Opens negotiation
• Tests flexibility

38. "How flexible are you on the price?"

• Gauges negotiation room
• Willing to haggle?
• Firm or flexible?
• Other offers?

39. "How long has it been advertised?"

• Longer = more flexible
• Recent = less flexible
• Multiple months = keen to sell
• Use for negotiation

40. "Have you had much interest?"

• Tests honesty
• High interest = less negotiation
• Little interest = more flexible
• Viewings vs time-wasters

Closing Questions

Final Checks

41. "Is everything in the advert accurate?"

• Final verification
• Catch discrepancies
• Legal protection
• Clear record

42. "Are there any other issues I haven't asked about?"

• Open question
• Tests honesty
• Catches forgotten items
• Good sellers volunteer info

43. "Can I take it for a professional inspection?"

• Before committing
• Genuine sellers agree
• £100-£150 cost
• Can save thousands

44. "If I want to buy, what's the process?"

• Understand next steps
• Payment method
• Document transfer
• Collection timing

45. "Can I have your phone number and full name for the paperwork?"

• Verify identity
• Enables contact
• Needed for documents
• Shows seriousness

Red Flag Responses

Answers That Should Concern You

Evasive answers:

• "I don't know" (repeatedly)
• "Can't remember"
• "I'll have to check"
• Changing subject

Contradictions:

• Story changes
• Differs from advert
• Inconsistent details
• Can't keep facts straight

Pressure tactics:

• "Someone else coming soon"
• "Other offers received"
• "Price going up"
• "Won't be available"

Defensive responses:

• Angry at questions
• "Don't you trust me?"
• Offended by inspection
• Won't allow checks

Suspicious situations:

• Meeting away from home
• Can't view at address
• Rush to complete
• Cash only insisted

Questions NOT to Ask

Avoid These

Don't ask:

• "What's your lowest price?" (too early)
• "I bet you'll take £X" (insulting)
• Personal financial questions (rude)
• Why they need money (intrusive)

Better approach:

• Ask about car
• Build rapport
• Show genuine interest
• Negotiate after inspection

Taking Notes

Document Everything

During viewing:

• Write down answers
• Note condition issues
• Record mileage
• Document concerns

Photos to take:

• VIN number
• Mileage display
• V5C document
• Service history
• Any damage
• Tyres (including date codes)
• Engine bay
• Overall car

Why document:

• Reference for decision
• Compare multiple cars
• Negotiating evidence
• Dispute protection

After the Viewing

Follow-Up Questions

If interested, ask:

46. "Can I call you tomorrow after thinking it over?"

• Shows serious interest
• Avoids pressure
• Time to research
• Check facts

47. "Would you accept a deposit to hold it?"

• If very interested
• Prevents other sales
• Shows commitment
• Usually £100-£500

48. "Can I bring my mechanic back?"

• For detailed check
• If first viewing positive
• Professional opinion
• Worth the cost

Summary

Key Takeaways:

Essential questions:

• V5C verification
• Service history
• Accident history
• Outstanding finance
• Why selling

Build rapport:

• Friendly approach
• Genuine interest
• Polite but thorough
• Not interrogation

Watch for:

• Evasive answers
• Contradictions
• Pressure tactics
• Defensive responses
• Story changes

Document everything:

• Write answers
• Take photos
• Note concerns
• Reference later

Test honesty:

• All cars have issues
• "Perfect" is suspicious
• Details show care
• Openness is positive

Red flags to walk away:

• No V5C
• Evasive about finance
• Major contradictions
• Won't allow inspection
• Pressure to buy immediately

Professional inspection:

• Worth £100-£150
• Can save thousands
• Genuine sellers agree
• Your right as buyer

Negotiation setup:

• Ask about flexibility
• Time on market
• Other interest
• Issues found

Most important:

• If it feels wrong, walk away
• Trust your instincts
• Other cars available
• Don't be pressured

Good sellers:

• Answer honestly
• Provide documentation
• Allow thorough inspection
• No pressure tactics
• Volunteer information

Asking the right questions demonstrates you're a serious, knowledgeable buyer while protecting yourself from hidden problems and dishonest sellers. Take your time, be thorough, and remember - the seller needs to earn your money by answering your questions honestly and completely.