10 Questions to ask a sales rep before buying a car

By Stuart Johnston

1. Who owned the car previously?

The answer to this question often provides a good clue as to how the car was treated under previous ownership

2. Why was it sold?

The way a salesman answers this question may or may not provide a clear-cut answer, but can tell you a lot about how the salesman operates, how “transparent” he or she is in dealings with customers.

3. Is there any outstanding money owed on the car from the previous owner?

In a car with a logged history, proof of payment settlement should be included in the paperwork. Finance houses, in the case of the previous owner having financed the car, will only release the title (the registration papers) to the car, once the finance contract has been paid in full. But it is worth checking.

4. Does the car have a full service history?

When a new car is sold, all maintenance work on the car is logged against the VIN number (Vehicle Identification number) when the car is serviced while it is in the warranty period. Ask the salesman to call up the history.

5. Has the car ever been involved in an accident?

The VIN number will also record any accident damage repairs to the car, if it is carried out by an accredited panel beater.

6. Has the car ever been resprayed or touched-up?

Do your own visual checks on the car, but ask the salesman anyway. The answers to any nicks and bumps and why they occurred (and how well they were repaired)  will tell a story about how the car has been treated in its “previous life”.

7. Is there a warranty on the car?

The car may still be covered by the remaining period of its manufacturer’s warranty – check this out, according to the kilometres logged on the odometer, and the car’s  first date of sale. Both are important regarding the warranty period.

In the case of older cars where the manufacturer’s warranty has expired, the salesman might offer an aftermarket warranty.

8. Does the car come with a spare set of keys?

Ordering a new spare set of keys is both time-consuming and expensive. On some imported cars, getting a spare set of keys means ordering it from overseas, and this can take weeks, rather than days.

9. Does everything work on the car – window winders, locks air-conditioning?

A well cared-for car should be in perfect operating order, and that includes the smaller items - interior lights, window washers, and the like

10. Can I take it for a test drive?

The ultimate test for a used car is experiencing it for yourself on the road. Your test should also include a trip on the freeway, to see how it behaves at faster cruising speeds.