1Seller Behavior
How the seller acts tells you a lot.
- Refuses pre-purchase inspection
- Meets only at neutral locations (hiding their address)
- Pressures you to decide immediately
- No clear title or ownership documents
- Story keeps changing about the car's history
2Physical Warning Signs
Visual clues of hidden problems.
- Fresh undercoating (hiding rust or damage)
- Very new parts on an older car (why were they replaced?)
- Mismatched paint or body panels
- VIN stickers look tampered with
- Strong air freshener smell (hiding something?)
3Documentation Issues
Paper trail problems are serious.
- Salvage or rebuilt title
- Multiple owners in short time
- No maintenance records at all
- Odometer inconsistent with documented history
- Out-of-province vehicle with no explanation
Key Takeaways
- 1Trust your instincts—walk away if something feels wrong
- 2Always verify title status
- 3Demand a pre-purchase inspection
- 4No documentation = unknown history
Need personalized help?
Connect with a certified mechanic who can answer questions specific to your vehicle.
Ask a Mechanic