We all know by now that shopping for cars via private seller has its risks. Especially on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Scams are prevalent there, and while obvious to most, they do catch certain hopefuls off-guard. But that’s not what we’re talking about today. Here, I’m not addressing scam alerts, but “tells” that might signal that a used car listing isn’t something you should hurry to bring back home.

For context, I spent a good chunk of my teens, most of my 20s, and some of my 30s behind a service counter at a shop here in the Midwest. We sold cars, too, so I was licensed in the state of Ohio for several years. From auction bays to trade-ins, I learned the difference between a diamond in the rough and, well, straight rough.

In a vacuum, none of these are dealbreakers, by the way. But they should certainly flag a used car as something to proceed with “high caution.” Let’s get into it.

8 Used Car Red Flags Straight From a Former Salesperson

The car isn’t clean

A dirty used car is rarely just about laziness. In sales and service, filth usually tracked with neglect.

Dust and road grime are normal. Old food, stained headliners, sticky consoles, and debris packed into seams are not.

To me, those details could easily suggest skipped oil changes, ignored warning lights, and maintenance done late or not at all. When a seller cannot be bothered to clean before asking for someone else’s hard-earned cash, it raises questions about what else they could not be bothered to do.

Owners who stay ahead of upkeep tend to keep their cars presentable.

The vehicle’s interior has excessive wear for its age

Age and mileage matter, but wear patterns tell a real story. A relatively young car with ripped seats, broken buttons, damaged steering wheel, and all else likely lived a harder life. 

Rideshare, delivery, or long daily commutes accelerate wear that mileage alone does not fully explain.

In the service department, those cars often needed suspension work, wheel bearings, and drivetrain attention earlier than expected. If the interior looks tired, the mechanicals may be, too.

Honda and Toyota nameplates don’t mean everything

Reputable brands are highly desirable on the used car market, but if the maintenance history isn’t provided and the owner ‘s care isn’t obvious, watch out.

Confirm large maintenance items the vehicle would have needed by now are complete. This includes spark plugs, fluid services outside regular oil changes, timing belt service (if applicable), tires, brakes, etc.

If they haven’t and they’re overdue or sorely needed, proceed with caution. The price better reflect those needs, too.

The check engine light was “just reset”

Any seller who mentions something like, “the battery was recently disconnected,” should get follow-up questions.

Clearing fault codes does not fix problems. It hides them long enough to get through a short test drive.

In service, cars that arrived with freshly cleared codes often ended up with expensive issues. Emissions faults, misfires, and sensor failures do not disappear on their own. If a seller cannot explain what triggered the light and what repair was done, assume nothing was fixed.

Maintenance records are vague or nonexistent

Not every owner keeps a folder of receipts, but there should be a story that makes sense. 

Regular oil changes, brake service, and major scheduled maintenance should be easy to explain. When answers get fuzzy or defensive, it usually means work was skipped or deferred. 

In sales, cars with strong records sold faster and had fewer post-sale surprises. Maintenance history does not guarantee perfection, but a lack of it increases risk.

The test drive feels rushed or restricted

A seller who insists on a short loop or refuses highway driving is protecting something.

Noise, vibration, transmission behavior, and braking issues often show up at speed or under load. Buyers should be allowed to drive long enough to bring the car to full operating temperature.

Doing so can expose fluid leaks, like burning oil or coolant, for example.

In my experience, honest sellers want you to feel comfortable. Nervous sellers want the drive over quickly and your answer ASAP.

The price is far below the market

Deals exist, but extreme bargains usually come with a shady backstory.

Accident history, flood exposure, title issues, or looming mechanical repairs often hide behind low prices.

In the dealership world, cars priced well under market were either wholesaled quickly or disclosed clearly. If we bought a car to flip, and it was due for the timing belt, we’d go ahead and take care of it before even listing it. Listing it on completed services was a huge motivator for potential buyers.

Private sellers who cannot explain a steep discount are asking buyers to gamble.

The seller doesn’t have the title

This is a hard stop more often than buyers want to admit. Too often, trouble starts after cash has already exchanged hands. It’s critical to walk away from a private used car sale with the title, or get as close to the title as you can legally get.

If the title’s missing, ask why. Who actually owns it?

Lenders hold titles for a reason. If a lienholder has it, that means the owner still owes on the car and can’t sell it without paying off the balance. Why is the seller offloading it? There could be a mechanical issue they’re avoiding, for instance.

In my experience, the best case scenario is that the seller can’t afford the car payment due to unfavorable loan terms, but the used car is otherwise in great shape.

If the car’s in someone else’s name and they’re not present, that’s another red flag.

Private sellers sometimes promise they will “get it later.” That can turn into weeks of delays or worse, a deal that cannot legally close.

Without a clear title in hand or a verifiable payoff process, you’re not buying a car. You’re handing over cash in exchange for a headache…without guaranteed results.

None of these are dealbreakers

By this point in my career, used cars aren’t mysterious. They leave clues everywhere. Condition, paperwork, behavior, and basic transparency matter more than filtered Facebook Marketplace photos or a smooth pitch.

If several red flags show up at once, it’s probably best to walk away. However, with the right mechanic and a good pre-purchase inspection, a deep clean and a few maintenance items can uncover a sparkling gem.