Over the years I have bought many used cars and trucks from private owners. Maybe its just luck, but I like to think it is because of my "intelligence gathering" that only once did I buy a lemon. Over the years, I have developed a mental list of questions to ask the seller and things to look for when checking out a potential purchase as well as a strategy to make sure you get honest answers.

Use the phone to get as much information as possible to determine if a trip to see the vehicle is worth it. This is especially important if the vehicle is miles away. Remember the buyer's objective is to get you to come out and see the vehicle. Your goal is to get as much information about the car as possible over the phone. With digital cameras and email many seller will send you photos. This is something you should consider if you are the seller.

• Make sure that you control the conversation to find out as much about the car as possible.

• Establish your creditability with the seller by impressing him or her with you car buying savy and that you know what you are talking about. The will keep the seller from snowing you.

• Be courteous, but firm. Whenever the seller gives a "wrong" answer, express your displeasure verbally. Click your tongue, murmur something - whatever.

• Remember you are buying a car, not trying to make a new friend.

• Get a good decription of the car, and a "feel" for the person doing the selling.

• Find out the exact model, equipment, options, color, etc.

• Ask about its condition, mileage, repairs done and repairs to be done?

• Ask the price and willingness to negotiate from your price?

• Ask if service records are available and make sure to view them if you go out to see the vehicle.

• Has the car been in an accident? Verify by a visual inspection later. Look for mismatched paint, misaligned panels, missing parts, etc.

• Ask why the car is being sold. Be suspicious of the answer to this question. The owner will probably not confide in you if he is selling a car with a history of mechanical difficulties. Valid reasons include moving, finding a more desirable car, growing family, college or medical expenses. Don't hesitate to ask this question several times - once over the phone and once or twice when you actually go to see the car. You might be able to pick up the real reason the car is being sold.

• If the owner says he or she is selling because they can’t afford the payment, they probably couldn’t afford maintenance either.

• Find out how long it has been owned. Be wary of a car that has been owned only a short time. Could the owner found a serious problem and now wants to unload it. Look out for a car that still carries a temporary tag.

• Come right out and ask the question, is there anything wrong with the car that needs fixing? You might be surprised and get an honest answer.

• Is Seller the Title Holder? Is a title available? This will prevent future headaches. If an out-of-state title, find out why.

• Be wary of someone who advertises an individual, but turns out to be a dealer. Can you trust him or her with other answers? There is nothing wrong with dealing with a dealer, provided he is up front about it.

• When you arrive look at the surroundings as closely as the car itself. Look around the persons garage. Is it neat and clean? Ask where the vehicle is regularly parked. Look for oil drips and stains.

• Avoid a car with cobbled up wiring or one with wiring hanging from under the dash.

• After I buy a car asked again if there is anything wrong with the vehicle. While you cannot get your money. It could save you lots of time tracing down a problem or even a breakdown on the way home.