THE CHECKLIST WORTH SHARING

See the car. Ask the awkward questions.

The photos got your attention. Now check the things a photo cannot tell you. Take this field guide to the inspection, wherever you found the car.

Clearer questions. Better preparation.

Eight checks before you complete the purchase

0 of 8 checked

Tick a box after you have actually checked the item. This is a personal planning aid, not a vehicle inspection, approval or legal acknowledgment.

1. Whose car is this?Confirm the seller’s actual name and whether you are buying from a dealer or a private owner. Match that information to the listing and sale paperwork. Ask who has authority to sell the vehicle.2. Where’s it parked?Get the actual city, inspection address, appointment arrangements and contact person. Do not travel or pay based on a generic dealership or platform address.3. Bring your mechanic.Arrange an independent expert inspection with a qualified third-party inspector or mechanic. Ask for it before final payment, taking the keys and completing the sale. Review the written findings and resolve differences from the listing with the seller.4. Follow the title.Ask the seller and your chosen transfer provider what title, registration, lien-release and seller-identity documents are needed. Verify them through appropriate channels. A vehicle-history report is one input, not proof of ownership or a substitute for inspection.5. Show me the flaws.Review mileage and odometer status, damage, modifications, known faults and the seller’s disclosures. Ask questions about anything unclear. Keep the listing and the seller’s written answers.6. What comes with it?For a dealer sale, request the applicable Buyers Guide, warranty or as-is disclosures, cancellation information and required state notices. Ask which protections apply to your particular sale. Do not assume an online purchase has an automatic cooling-off period.7. Price the whole trip.Separate the vehicle price, WAA buyer fee if applicable, seller fees, taxes, title, registration, inspection and delivery. Confirm each party’s charges and the payment instructions before sending funds.8. Plan the handoff.We strongly recommend a suitable third-party vehicle payment/title transfer provider as well as an independent inspection. Check the provider’s actual scope, eligibility, fees and contact details yourself. Agree with the seller on payment, paperwork, pickup and when the sale is complete.

Pause when something does not match.

Resolve discrepancies before final payment or taking possession. For a WAA purchase, report concerns promptly through your account. Our investigation and buyer-fee refund process has limits after a completed sale and remains subject to applicable rights and the published terms.

Read WAA’s complete safeguards and service options →

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