Buying privately can be daunting, but as long as you make the right checks, it can also be rewarding. The first stage of the process can be conducted over the phone or by email by asking some simple questions.

• Ask the owner to confirm the exact details of what they are selling. Does it match up with the ad? Does it have the features you require? When was it first registered? When was it first complianced? Sellers are known to bend the truth to get you to call.
• How long have they owned the car? Do they own the car? Are they authorized to sell it? Be wary of estranged partners selling their ex-partner's car behind their backs.
• Have they owned it from new? If not, who owned it before? Can they supply any documentation confirming its history?
• Why are they selling? A used car being sold within months of purchase because a family member didn't like the car is a reason commonly cited by bogus repairers, backyard traders and the like.
• What is the odometer reading? Are they prepared to guarantee this is correct? Do they have records to back this mileage? Instrument clusters with 70,000km -- 95,000km on the odometer are hot sellers.
• What features does the car have? How much registration does it have? Does it have a current roadworthy certificate (RWC)?
• In the seller's opinion what sort of condition is the car in? Has it been in a crash?
• Is there any outstanding finance or is it subject to a hire purchase agreement?
• What ownership papers, previous registration certificates, service history and details of major repairs can they produce to verify the car's history?
• If the car has been involved in a crash, which parts were damaged? Where was it repaired? Are the repairs guaranteed?
• Have they replaced anything on it recently?
• Has it been modified in any way?
• If the price seems too high, are they prepared to negotiate?

INTERNET ADVERTISING: A new ballgame for car buyers
The internet has revolutionised the process of buying a used car. Although the above questions are more important than ever, the photos provided in internet ads can support a very different approach to buying or selling a vehicle.

Analysing the photos before you contact a vendor can save valuable time and unnecessary communication. It also allows you to cut to the chase to get the information that really matters.

By working through these key points, you can fine-tune your communication with the vendor and save time for both parties:

Look at the advertisement photos carefully. What is not shown might be more important than what is. Are key photos missing? If there are no interior or engine shots, why not? Can the vendor supply extra photos?

Does the advertisement include photos of both sides of the vehicle as well as front and rear? Why not?

Get to know what the body and cabin details should be for that vehicle by comparing it with photos of similar models. Do details like wheels, badges and other items match the description of the vehicle? If not, ask the vendor to clarify any deviations. 

Check the photos of the underbonnet area and compare it to similar models. Are key components different? Has the vehicle been modified? Does it match the description?

Check the cabin shots. Are the seats, trim and other interior details correct for the year and model? Again, check against similar models. Is the car clean? Is the condition consistent with other claims being made about the vehicle? If an owner can't be bothered preparing the car for photos, what else are you going to find?

Be aware that photos can make a car look much better than it is. Yet they can still tell you plenty. Expand the photo and take a closer look at the gaps around the doors, boot and bonnet. Are they even? Are there colour differences between panels? Do the doors, bonnet and rear hatch/bootlid sit flush with other panels?

Good internet ads allow you to start the pre-purchase inspection before you leave your keyboard. Take advantage of that by checking any details before you inspect the car so you are prepared.

Honest vendors who have a genuine vehicle to sell will usually support you in this process when it saves them and you time.

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