Originally Posted By: ThirdeYe
... I plan on asking about fluid maintenance (oil changes, brake fluid, coolant, Atf, PSF, etc.) And if its ever had any water damage or panels replaced or repainted. He says its well maintained but I'm not sure yet if he physically has the receipts or not... I'll also ask about the oil consumption... Also plan to ask why they're selling it. Any other good questions to ask?
IMO, I would not bother asking these at all. Instead ask for proof of maintenance and LOOK for evidence of good maintenance regimen or lack of it.
In my experience the more the car was neglected, the better care it received according to the owner.
If the receipts for maintenance are there, it's fairly easy to ascertain how the rest of the car was treated. The interior steering wheel, the seats, and all items that people touch/press during the ownership will have clear evidence how much wear and tear was put on the inside. Years of neglect are very hard to detail out in one swoop, but if the car was kept clean all the time, it will clearly show.
Then move to the exterior. Start with simple stuff, like: are all four tires matching? Do they appear to be worn evenly? Look at the door, hood and trunk gaps. Are they even all around? Look at body panels at very acute angle to see any signs of body work or different paint. Look for difference in shine between panels. Check if the windshield was ever replaced. If so who did the work. You may find out later that it leaks, as I did with my Focus.
There are lots of other thing of course.
In other words, don't waste your time on useless idle talk and start examining the car. Chances are as you do it, the owner will start talking about the car and revealing work that was done to it.