1. The photos avoid the important angles
A dozen nearly identical photos of the front corner tell you less than one clear image of each side, the interior, engine bay, dashboard and tyres. Missing angles may be innocent, but they are still missing information.
Ask for current, well-lit photos of the areas you cannot see. If the seller will not provide them, decide whether the trip is still worth your time.
2. The description is all adjectives and no detail
“Immaculate”, “perfect” and “drives like new” are opinions. Service dates, kilometres, ownership history, recent repairs and known faults are information.
A useful follow-up is simple: what work has been completed in the last two years, and what does the car need now?
3. The story keeps changing
Pay attention when the reason for selling, length of ownership, service history or who normally drives the car changes between messages. A small mix-up is possible. Several inconsistencies deserve a pause.
4. There is pressure to pay before you inspect
Popular cars can attract plenty of interest, but urgency should not replace basic checks. Be cautious when you are pushed toward a deposit before seeing the vehicle, confirming the seller’s details or arranging an independent inspection.
5. The price is unusually low without a clear reason
A bargain may be a motivated seller. It may also reflect accident history, mechanical work, paperwork problems or a listing designed to create urgency. Compare similar year, variant, kilometres and condition—not just the badge on the bonnet.
6. The service history is described but never shown
“Full service history” should lead to records you can actually review. Ask for photos of the service book and recent invoices, with private details covered if necessary. Check whether the dates and kilometres form a believable sequence.
7. Reasonable questions are treated as a nuisance
You do not need to interrogate the seller, but you are allowed to understand an expensive purchase. Clear, polite questions about ownership, maintenance, damage, warning lights and inspection access are normal.
A seller refusing all inspection access is not proof of a problem. It is, however, a condition you can factor into your decision.
The short version
An ad is an invitation to investigate, not evidence that the car is good. Ask for specifics, keep the conversation in writing and inspect the vehicle before enthusiasm becomes commitment.