Initial Inquiry and Car Overview
A potential buyer contacts the seller for the first time to ask general questions about the car, its history, mileage, and to schedule a viewing.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
mileage
The total distance a car has traveled, measured in miles. Use it when asking about a used car's usage, like 'What's the mileage?'
service history
A record of all maintenance and repairs done on the car. It's important to check this to ensure the car was well cared for.
maintenance
Regular care and repairs to keep a car in good condition, like oil changes. Say 'regular maintenance' to show the car was properly looked after.
records
Documents or papers that prove something, like service or accident history. In buying a car, ask to 'see the records' for proof.
accidents
Car crashes or collisions. When buying a used car, it's key to ask if there were 'any accidents' to check for damage.
clean title
Official car ownership document with no issues like accidents or theft. A 'clean title' means the car has a good legal history.
owner
The person who owns the car. Ask 'how many owners' to know if the car changed hands often, which might indicate problems.
reassuring
Something that makes you feel more confident or less worried. Use it like 'That's reassuring' when good news reduces your concerns about a purchase.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Is it still available?
This is a polite way to check if an item, like a car, is for sale. Use it at the start of an inquiry. Grammar: Simple present 'is' for current status; question form with 'is' inverted.
What can I tell you about it?
An offer to provide information. Useful when responding to a buyer's interest. It invites questions. Grammar: 'Can' for ability/offer; open-ended question to encourage more details.
Could you tell me a bit more about its mileage and service history?
A polite request for more details. Great for negotiations. 'Could you' is formal and indirect. Use when you need specifics like in car buying. Grammar: 'Could' for polite requests; 'a bit more' softens the ask.
That's correct, it's just under 61,000 miles.
Confirms information with a precise update. 'Just under' means slightly less than. Useful for giving exact details. Grammar: 'It's' contraction of 'it is'; comparative phrase for accuracy.
That's reassuring to hear.
Expresses relief or confidence from positive info. Say this after good news, like clean history. Helps build trust in conversations. Grammar: Present continuous 'to hear' for the action of receiving info.
Has it been involved in any accidents?
Asks about past events politely. Key for checking car condition. 'Has been' is present perfect for experiences up to now. Use in due diligence questions.
What's the best time for me to come by and take a look at it?
Suggests scheduling a visit. 'Come by' means visit casually; 'take a look' is informal for inspect. Useful for arranging viewings. Grammar: 'What's' for 'What is'; infinitive 'to come' after time.
How about around 10 AM?
Proposes a specific time flexibly. 'How about' suggests ideas politely. Good for negotiations. 'Around' means approximately. Grammar: Question form to seek agreement on a suggestion.