Free tool
Ask the seller: message builder
If you've found a car you like, ask the seller a few questions before you drive across the county to see it. Tick the ones you want answered and we'll put them into one short, friendly message. Copy it, or open it in WhatsApp and pick the seller yourself.
It all happens in your browser. Nothing you tick is sent to us or saved.
Published by CarCheckHQ · Updated . Written by the CarCheckHQ team.
Pick your questions
Your message
Tick at least one question and your message will appear here.
What to do with the answers
A seller's answers don't prove anything on their own. They give you something to check. Our guide to buying a used car covers the rest of the checks.
- Name and address. GOV.UK says to make sure the details in the log book match what you've been told. Citizens Advice says to get the original log book and never buy a car without one. If the seller wants to meet somewhere other than the address on the V5C, ask why.
- Finance. If there's money owed, the lender may still own the car. Our guide to checking for outstanding finance explains what to look for.
- MOT. With the reg, you can check the MOT history on GOV.UK for free. Our MOT advisory decoder explains what each advisory means.
- Daylight and test drive. Citizens Advice says to view in daylight, ideally when it's dry, because damage is harder to spot on a wet car. It also says not to test drive a car unless you're insured.
- Vague or no answers. A seller who won't answer simple questions is telling you something. You don't have to go.
Common questions
What should I ask a private seller before viewing a car?
Ask whether their name and address are on the V5C, whether there's finance left, what service history there is and what the last MOT said. Ask for the registration number too, so you can check the MOT history before you go.
Is it rude to ask a seller lots of questions?
No. Most honest sellers expect them. Keeping it to one polite message helps, which is what this tool is for.
Does this tool send anything to the seller?
No. It builds the text in your browser. You copy it or open WhatsApp yourself, and you choose who to send it to. We never see the message.
Can the seller's answers prove the car is fine?
No. They tell you what to check. Check the MOT history, look at the V5C in person, and do a history check on the reg before you pay.
Sources
- GOV.UK, Vehicle checks when buying a used car, checked 26 Oct 2026
- GOV.UK, Check the MOT history of a vehicle, checked 27 Oct 2026
- Citizens Advice, Buying a used car, checked 26 Oct 2026
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Related: V5C log book checker · MOT advisory decoder · How to check for outstanding finance · Buying a used car