Post from Rod Wood: Planning to shop for a used car this spring?  According to Consumer Reports ShopSmart magazine, here are seven questions you should ask the seller before you buy:

(1) How's it equipped?  For example, does it have a working air conditioner?
Think about what would be deal-breakers for you.

(2) How many miles on the odometer?  Lower is better but you'll pay more.
Also, for every year it's been on the road, it shouldn't have more than 20,000 miles.

(3) Are you the only one who owned it? The fewer owners, the better.

(4) Was it ever in an accident or flood? Carfax.com and autocheck.com can ID some
(but not all) problem cars.

(5)  Has it had any recalls? Major ones could be a red flag. Dealerships have records.

(6) May I see the service records and any receipts for repairs? Regular oil changes and
maintenance appointments are a good sign.

(7) Why are you selling it? Asking may reveal some surprises. Be wary of evasive answers.