Private sellers are under no obligation to reveal a car's hidden past. So it is up to you as a potential buyer to cover yourself as much as you possibly can.

The first stage is to contact the owner over the phone. You can save a lot of grief and wasted time if you ask some specific questions listed below.

The first stage is to contact the owner over the phone. You can save a lot of grief and wasted time if you ask some specific questions listed below:

• Why are they selling the vehicle?
• How long have they owned the car? Have they had it from new? If not how many previous owners has it had?
• What is the mileage? Ask them what type of condition the vehicle is in?
• Is there any outstanding finance or hire purchase agreement?
• Does the vehicle have any tax and MOT? If so how much?
• Has the vehicle been involved in any accidents? If so what was the extent?
• Has the vehicle been repaired? If yes whom by and have you any records?
• Are there any service records or old MOT's (to check mileage at later date)
• Have they replaced anything on the vehicle recently or have they made any modifications?
• Price should be negotiable – are they open to reasonable and fair offers?