Identify the car before judging the photos

Ask for the VIN, model year, trim, engine, mileage reading and current location. Compare the VIN on the vehicle with its documents and any history report. Ask for an explanation of mismatches before discussing payment.

For an imported car, request the available source-country title and shipping or clearance documents appropriate to the transaction. Have a qualified professional check authenticity and the current requirements for your purchase. A photograph of a document is a starting point, not verification.

Read the history, then inspect the vehicle

A vehicle history report can help surface reported title, loss or damage information, but it does not replace an independent inspection. Arrange access for a mechanic or inspection professional who is not relying on the sale going through.

Ask for a written report tied to the VIN, dated photos, the tests completed and anything the inspector could not access. A verbal “engine and gear are fine” leaves too many questions unanswered.

Make the inspection cover the expensive unknowns

Ask the inspector to assess the engine, transmission, cooling, brakes, suspension, steering, tyres, structure and evidence of repairs. Request an electronic scan where appropriate and an explanation of warning lights.

Ask which issues are safety-critical, which need prompt repair and which are cosmetic. Get repair estimates before comparing this vehicle with another. Do not rely on a fresh wash or tidy seats to establish mechanical condition.

Use the test drive to check the report

Where safe, insured and permitted, ask for a drive covering normal starts, acceleration, braking and turning. Listen for unexplained noises and note pulling, vibration, temperature changes or warning lights. Let a qualified inspector assess concerns.

If a vehicle cannot be driven or started, establish why and price the unresolved risk explicitly. Do not treat a non-running car as a normal ready-to-drive purchase.

Agree on the full deal

Write down the exact car, agreed price, outstanding repairs, included documents, payment stages and handover arrangements. Confirm who owns the car and who is authorised to sell it. Get professional advice where ownership or documentation is unclear.

Keep money aside for confirmed immediate maintenance, registration and other applicable costs. With Con Dios Autos, start by sharing your total budget and intended use so your enquiry has a useful scope.

Questions buyers ask

Can I rely on a car history report alone?

No. Combine the report with document checks and an independent inspection of the actual car. Reports do not describe every mechanical problem.

Should I inspect a car before paying a deposit?

Arrange the inspection and agree in writing what any deposit covers, whether it is refundable and what happens if the inspection is unsatisfactory before committing funds.

Sources & further reading

Manufacturer and public consumer resources checked for this guide. Vehicle requirements and available services should be confirmed for your purchase.

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