What To Ask When Calling On
Used Car Listings in Classified Ads
Classified ads can be a great resource to find a variety of used car listings. Learn about what to ask the seller to narrow down your choices.
What You'll Find Here
Let's say you begin your search for a good used car by looking in the classified ads and find several models in your price range that interest you. The next step is to decide which cars are worth the time it will take for you to go see the car.
We suggest the shopping process begin on the phone. Below, you'll find a series of questions and a fact sheet designed to help you pre-sort the "possibles" from the "fagitaboutit" used cars.
Used Car Listings Work Sheet
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION
Begin by confirming the following:
Make ___________________ Model Designation _____________Year ______
Number of miles showing on odometer_____________ (12,000 per year is average)
Color Exterior ______ Color Interior ______
Seat Covering: Fabric Leather
Engine size [number of cylinders] ____ Gas Diesel
Doors: Two door coupe 4-dr. Hatchback Sun Roof
Power equipment: Electric windows Electric seats
AM/FM Radio Cassette CD player
Full spare or space saver
Any other features I should know about? ___________________________________
Questions to Ask the Seller
Regarding Their Used Car Listings
After you've confirmed the description and content of the vehicle, we suggest that you ask the following questions.
1. Tell me about the condition of the car.
Phrasing the "question" this way should motivate the seller to provide more information on used car listings. Don't waste your time with a seller who tells you that it "runs good." This usually means that the car has problems and that even he or she can't think of anything good to say about it.
2. Are you a used car dealer?
Sometimes used car dealers will put ads in the classified and you'll want to know this before going any further. They could be selling a lemon or a car without a title or a car that won't pass inspection or one that they would prefer not to have associated with the car lot. This is called "curbing." Avoid these people.
YES NO
3. Are you the original owner of the car?
If the answer to question 2 is "no" then ask how long they have owned the car? Obviously, it's best to buy a used car from the original owner if only because you'll have a better chance of determining its maintenance and repair history. Recently we ran into a situation in which a wholesaler sells cars by masquerading as a private owner. What he does is buy cars at auction that legitimate dealers won't touch. Cars that have been in a wreck and then fully repaired. The wholesaler buys them for a very low price, brings them home and sells them out of his front yard for price equal to those that one could charge for the car had it not been wrecked. Obviously, he never informs the buyer of the car's history and most buyers never take the time to have the car fully inspected. Here again is another reason to take any used vehicle to a professional for evaluation and to purchase a CarFax report.
YES NO How long owned? ____
4. Do you have the maintenance and repair records?
Any owner that has kept the maintenance and repair records probably has taken good care of the car.
YES NO
5. What would you estimate it's going to cost to put the car in A-1 condition?
This question forces the seller into making an on the spot evaluation. Most will try to give you a reasonable estimate, even though it will probably be a conservative one. If the seller tells you that it's in mint condition and you arrive to find a bucket of bolts, you'd be advised to say goodbye.
Owner's estimated amount of repairs: $ ____________
6. Why are you selling the car?
This question may help you learn how anxious he or she is to sell the car and it may supply some information you can use in your negotiation.
7. What is your asking price?
By using the term "asking price" you are letting the seller know that you're assuming that the "asking price" is higher than what he or she will actually accept. Here's another question designed to test the sellers pricing resolve on their used car listing. This question should be asked once you feel that you've established a good rapport with the seller. Asked in a conversational, matter of fact manner, it can reveal much about the seller's eagerness to make a deal. What do you expect to get for your car?
Asking price: $ ____________
At this point, you should have enough information to decide if this used car listing warrants your going to see the car and taking it for a test drive.
