CarTickCarTick · Field guide
What to ask before a used-car viewing
A question sheet you can print or keep on your phone, from the first seller message to the independent inspection.
A viewing is easier to organize when you ask a few clear questions before travelling. This sheet helps you keep the seller’s answers together and decide what needs independent verification. It is a preparation tool, not a vehicle assessment.
Before you arrange the visit
- Is the vehicle still available, and who is selling it?
- Can you share the VIN and the details needed to verify the vehicle independently?
- What service records are available?
- What known faults, warning lights, repairs or accident history should I know about?
- Can an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle before I decide?
Record the answer, the date and what still needs to be checked. A reassuring answer is not the same as a document or independent inspection. Vehicle-history and title requirements vary by location; use the relevant official services for your jurisdiction.
Keep claims and evidence separate
| Seller says | Evidence to review | Question for mechanic |
|---|---|---|
| “Recently serviced” | Invoice, date and mileage | What work was done, and what is still due? |
| “No known issues” | Records and independent inspection | Are there concerns the viewing cannot establish? |
| “Repair completed” | Repair documentation | Can you assess the repair and any remaining concerns? |
At the viewing: record, then ask
Use CarTick’s Quick Scan to record visible concerns and keep your photos and notes attached to the right car. Mark an uncertainty as a question instead of converting it into a confident diagnosis. Ask permission for photos and avoid capturing the seller’s personal documents unnecessarily.
Keep any physical checks within your knowledge and safe conditions. Do not get under an unsupported vehicle, touch hot or moving components, or handle your phone while driving. Leave technical inspection to a qualified professional.
Arrange the independent inspection
Ask the mechanic what their pre-purchase inspection covers, how they will report findings, and how you can provide your notes beforehand. In its used-car guidance, the US Federal Trade Commission recommends an independent mechanical inspection even for a vehicle described as certified.
If the seller refuses independent verification, pause. Decide what information you still need before making a commitment. An app cannot settle title status, certify safety or guarantee a purchase outcome.
Make the handoff useful
- __________________________________
- __________________________________
- __________________________________
CarTick can organize your checks, notes, photos and concerns into a Decision Brief and a shareable PDF. One car is free; Pro adds unlimited cars, comparison and unlimited evidence. Use it to bring a better record to the professional, not as a substitute for that professional.
Source: FTC — Buying a Used Car From a Dealer. The source is US-specific; confirm local requirements where you are buying.
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