No rips in the upholstery. No broken hinges e.g glove compartment. That shows that someone has looked after their car. If there's scuffs and broken bits inside, it makes you wonder what else hasn't been cared for.

Lumpy paint - look down the sides of the car in good light and you can see what's not original! Then you can ask the vendor about the reason for repairs...!

If there's even a whiff of cig smoke, it's a definite no, no matter how fab the car is.

I assess the seller as much as the car.

Private sale:

Rough house = rough car, if the cars pictured on what looks like a sink estate I don't bother. The chances are they're selling because somethings wrong that's going to cost them money to fix, money they don't have. Also they are more likely to have skimped or neglected service for the same reason or failed to pay the HP. Also often - but not always - awkward sellers to deal with.

Trader:

Home traders who have a decent home, and the cash to prep the cars properly may be ok but use your judgement - usually better to find a car at a garage (with a workshop if possible).

Home traders selling from council estate with the advert written in poor English - avoid for above reasons.

And appologies to decent folk living in these areas - you have my sympathy

J

The simplest are the best.

If the car is not EXACTLY as advertised - colour, miles, condition etc - you are dealing witha (probably habitual) liar.

. (And of course you vet cars to look at from the advert)