Before you look at the car, you need to check out the paper work and ask the owner a few questions that may save you a lot of time. If you find the car has been rebuilt after a major accident, you probably don't want it and so you don't have to go on with the inspection.

Dress The Part: 
Arrive at the seller's location looking like you mean business. Have a pen, paper and a calculator. Have any relevant information about the car you're looking at such as the new car price, and recalls etc.

Questions To Ask The Owner: 
Ask the owner about the car's daily use and major trips. Were there a lot of stop and go city miles or long easy highway miles? Try to get a feel for the owner -- is he neat or a slob? Is she a young drag racer or a little old lady who only drove it to church on Sundays? What regular maintenance was done? What repairs have been made? 

Are You Entitled: 
If the seller is the first owner, ask for records of the original purchase. Verify the identity of the person selling the car with the person listed on the car's title or registration. 

Salvage Titles: 
Whether you are buying your car from a dealer or a private seller, ask to see the seller's title and registration for the vehicle before agreeing to buy it. Examine these documents to see if the car has been declared a "salvage" title. A car with a salvage title has been previously declared a "total loss" by an insurer, usually because of an accident. Don't buy these cars because there may have been structural damage to the frame. Even if you have your heart set on the car, some lending institutions will not finance a salvage vehicle.